09 October
During World Space Week people are being encouraged to learn more about how space has benefited humanity.
Muriel Cozier
This week is World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to the improvement of mankind.
The week, which kicked off on 4 October 2019 and officially concludes on 10 October 2019, comprises space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetarium, museums and astronomy clubs around the world in a common timeframe.
The goals of World Space Week, which is coordinated by the United Nations with support from the World Space Week Association, include:
- Educating people about the benefits of space exploration.
- Encouraging greater use of space for sustainable economic development.
- Enthusing young people about science, technology, engineering and maths.
- Fostering international cooperation in space outreach and education.
The United Nations General Assembly declared World Space Week in 1999. The date of the event marks the launch of the first man-made earth satellite Sputnik 1, 4 October 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of the States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, 10 October 1967.
World Space Week is being marked by a wide variety of events. The National opening ceremony was held in Mexico at the Heroica Escuela Naval Militar in Veracruz State on 4 October. Meanwhile the cruise liner Cunard conducted its annual Transatlantic Space Week aboard its flagship Queen Mary 2, as it sailed from Southampton, UK, on 26 September, to New York, US arriving 4 October. The journey featured a range of space-themed experiences including talks from distinguished space explorers and astronomers.
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