World Space Week is October 4 to 10. Find events here

World Space Week dates back to 1999, when the UN General Assembly declared a week-long international celebration of science and technology every October 4 to 10. Originally, these dates were picked in honor of the October 4, 1957, launch of Sputnik 1 and the October 10, 1967, Outer Space Treaty regarding exploration and peace. This year, the celebration theme is Living in Space.

The mission of World Space Week is:

… to strengthen the link between space and society through public education, participation and dialogue on the future of space activity.

Additionally, its long term goal is:

The long-term goal of the Association is to sufficiently institutionalize UN-declared World Space Week such that it continues to grow throughout the world by itself.

Overall, according to the website, the goals are to:

• Provide unique leverage in space outreach and education.
• Educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space.
• Encourage greater use of space for sustainable economic development.
• Demonstrate public support for space programs.
• Excite young people about science, technology, engineering and math.
• Foster international cooperation in space outreach and education.

World Space Week activities

This year, activities will center around the recognition of the growing significance of the commercial space industry. With this in mind, the Association hopes to inspire students worldwide to study science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and business. Also, it hopes space companies can take this opportunity to recruit workers needed for the expanding commercial space industry.

Anyone can create an event. Here are some steps to follow.

Find an event near you.

Bottom line: World Space Week runs every year from October 4 to 10. This year, the theme is living in space. Find events here.

The post World Space Week is October 4 to 10. Find events here first appeared on EarthSky.