4 October – world space week

2017-10-04 11:31

4 October – world space week
World space week is held annually from 4-10 October.

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Week from 4 to 10 October was declared world space week (World Space Week) by the UN General Assembly on 6 December 1999 (resolution 54/68) in order to note the contribution of space science and technology in improving human well-being, reports Rus.Media.

These dates evoke memories of events such as the Soviet Union launched the first artificial Earth satellite on 4 October 1957 and the entry into force on 10 October 1967 the Treaty on principles governing the activities of States in the exploration and use of outer space.

The idea to establish a world space week appeared on the 3rd UN world conference on outer space. In this forum, the Moroccan delegation put forward a proposal to declare July 20 as world day of the cosmos, in conjunction with the date to the day of the landing of the expedition of the USA to the moon.

The world’s first artificial Earth satellite (USSR, 1957)

The proposal by the delegation of Morocco was perceived very ambiguous. Most delegations expressed support for the proclamation of a special world day of the cosmos. However, the date itself caused a lot of discussion. The Russian delegation supported in principle the idea, however, could not agree with the date July 20, as it is not quite correct and fair from the historical point of view. According to the Russian delegation, the space age in human history began on 4 October 1957, when the Soviet Union first in the world launched the first artificial Earth satellite.

Based on this reasoning, the Russian delegation introduced an amendment to the Moroccan proposal offering on October 4 as the date for world day of the cosmos. Russia actively supported Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China, India, Cuba, South Africa and several other countries. Some other countries have made a counter offer — to celebrate this date 10 October, when entered into force the Treaty on outer space. And the representative of Germany even offered to refer the matter for consideration to the UN Committee on outer space.

In the middle of the discussion an unexpected proposal made by the delegate of Iran. He proposed to celebrate not the day of world space and world space week, which could begin October 4 and end October 10. This unexpected proposal was supported by most countries, as it was based on two important dates. The proposal for world space week was supported by the participants of the conference unanimously.

World space week is the largest annual world-wide event, which is devoted to the study of outer space

And today, world space week is the largest annual world-wide event, which is devoted to the study of outer space. The idea of this event, inspiring students, contributes to the formation of a class of future professionals, addresses issues of public education in the field of space activities and promotes international cooperation in space advocacy and education.

So, for the last few years about 90 countries took part in more than 2,200 events with the participation of more than 1.3 million visitors. And each year the events dedicated to the space Week, held under a specific theme that is selected by the Association Board of Directors in close cooperation with the UN Office for outer space Affairs.