World Space Week (4 - 10 October)

World Space Week is an annual event, observed during the week of 4-10 October.

The dates recall the launch, on 4 October 1957, of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, and the entry into force, on 10 October 1967, of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

Each year, the World Space Week Association, in coordination with the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs, selects a theme for the upcoming World Space Week (WSW). The theme for 2012, "Space for Human Safety and Security", will celebrate how Earth observation, navigation and telecommunication satellites improve our everyday lives and help to safeguard our environment.

World Space Week is the largest annual space event in the world. It builds the workforce of tomorrow by inspiring students, demonstrates visible public support for the space program, educates the public about space activities, and fosters international cooperation into space outreach and education. Since 2007, more than 94 nations have participated in more than 2,250 events with more than 1.3 million attendees.

"The General Assembly declares 4 to 10 October World Space Week to celebrate each year at the international level the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition"

In Europe, the European Commission launched the European Space Expo (until 11 Oct) to show how space and its applications provide benefits to Europe's citizens. The Expo highlights the critical role of the European Union in space and space-based technologies.

Presented for the fourth time now in Brussels, visitors to the Expo can see, touch and experience the wide range of innovative technologies and services that space offers them.

Additional links:

• World Space Week (UN website)
• World Space Week Association
• United Nations Office of Outer Space Affair
• General Assembly Resolution 54/68 (6 December 1999)
• Follow @WorldSpaceWeek on Twitter -- #wsw2012