World Space Week, held from October 4 to October 10, is the largest public space event in the world.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly to be an international celebration of technological contributions to the betterment of humankind, WSW is coordinated by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs with the support of World Space Week Association, a non-profit organization supported by national coordinators in 68 nations.
The start and end dates recognize the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1 (October 4, 1957) and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty (October 10, 1967).
Annual events generally include rocket launches, school activities, exhibits, political events, and special programs at planetaria around the globe.
This year’s theme is "Space for Education" and teachers are encouraged to use space-themed activities in the classroom to promote student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Also this year, $500 teacher grants will be awarded for the most creative use of space in the classroom during WSW!
Highlights of the TENTH Annual World Space Week 2009 include:
- NASA's LCROSS mission impacts the Moon October 9
- Week-long space celebration across the Hawaiian islands
- Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté broadcast from space
- Australian Government launches the Australian Space Science Program
- Space Festival & Astronautical Congress in Republic of Korea
- Sending messages into space via SentForever
- Celebrations in 60 nations!
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