The United Nations (UN)’s World Space Week (WSW) is annually observed across the globe from 4th to 10th October to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.
The theme of World Space Week 2022 is “Space and Sustainability”.
- The theme for WSW is annually selected by the World Space Week Association (WSWA) to provide a focus on the activities and events that take a place in over 80 nations during 4-10 October.
Background:
i. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/54/68 on 11th February 2000 and proclaimed the week of 4th to 10th October as World Space Week in 1999.
ii. The 1st ever World Space Week was observed from 4th to 10th October 2000.
Why October 4-10?
i. 4th October marks the date on which the 1st human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1 was launched in 1957.
ii. 10th October marks the date on which the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies came into force in 1967.
Key Points:
i. World Space Week consists of space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world in a common timeframe.
- In 2021, WSW achieved the record scale of more than 6,418 events in 96 Nations.
ii. WSW 2022 will celebrate 2 branches of the topic to be covered: Achieving sustainability in space and Achieving sustainability from space
UN and Space:
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development.
UNOOSA Webinar Series – 5 and 10 October:
i. The Webinar Series of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) conducts between 5 & 10 October under the title ‘Sustainability from space: Satellites as our eyes towards a better future’.
ii. The UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is uniquely positioned to raise awareness about space exploration and use, benefits stemming from humanity’s activities in space, and sustainable use of this unique environment.
iii. UNOOSA organizes an event series aimed at advancing awareness about sustainable space exploration for a sustainable planet.
About the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):
Director- Niklas Hedman
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Establishment- 1958
