Reading Time: 4 minutes The World Space Week is celebrated in many countries of the world by National Coordinators that are led by United Nations and the World Space Week Association (WSWA). The week is celebrated on the allotted dates through lectures, seminars, competitions, training, mentorships, and more.
The intrigue that space holds for humans is like no other and it is because of humanity’s spirit of inquiry and ambitiousness that we have been able to do space exploration. The story of humanity entering space and seeking planetary mechanisms is well-known all over the globe. There are some minds who consider space exploration worthy enough to be celebrated. It cannot be denied that many projects done in space exploration are more suited to the whims of governments and powerful rich businessmen rather than being done for the good of the race. It is also impertinent to remember and recognize that there exist many projects that are imperative to the advancement and survival of humankind.
Started in 1999 by the United States National General Assembly, World Space Week is held each year from 4th October to 10th October all over the world. It is a celebration of the role science and technology have played in the furtherance of mankind.
It begins on the 4th of October to give praise to the first ever event that opened up space to the rest of the world: the launch of Sputnik 1, a manmade Earth satellite in 1957. The week ends on 10th October to commemorate another important space-related event: the signature of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies in 1967.
The week is celebrated in many countries of the world by National Coordinators that are led by United Nations and the World Space Week Association (WSWA). The week is celebrated on the allotted dates through lectures, seminars, competitions, training, mentorships, and more. The common bodies that arrange such events in each country are museums, educational institutions, space and aerospace companies, planetaria, and space-related clubs. In 2021, World Space Week was held in ninety-six countries which had more than 6,418 events between them.
The goals of the event have been eloquently defined by the concerned authorities:
World Space Week has been held every year since 2000 and some recent remarkable themes are:
The World Space Week Association (WSWA) decided upon “Space and Sustainability” as the theme of the year 2022. The theme has two aspects i.e. sustainability in space and sustainability of earth through space. This year’s theme is important in light of the recent catastrophic land-changing natural disasters that are hitting the planet on a large scale. Space exploration and observation of the planet through satellites is one sure way to improve the chances of sustainability of the planet. Space technology helps measure the climate change of the planet, the pollution currently afflicting different regions, improving agricultural practices in many countries, and more.
The significance of space exploration and sustainability can be judged by the fact that out of the 169 targets that come under the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, 65 targets are dependent upon Earth observation satellites and associated technology. According to the United Nations, at the start of 2021, there were 6,542 satellites in orbit and more are crowding our sky. It is of utmost importance that there be a sustainable plan for controlling and cleaning up space debris that is a result of manmade satellites.
Since 2005, Pakistan has held celebrations of World Space Week as part of upholding the United Nation’s agenda. The event is organized by the National Space Agency of Pakistan (SUPARCO) in collaboration with the Institute of Space Technology (IST). SUPARCO, being the national space agency of Pakistan, has done much for the progression of space awareness in Pakistan with regard to WSW through Space Education and Awareness Drive (SEAD). According to Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), “WSW activities are catalytic in providing opportunity to the academia and public to connect with the space work force of the country”. In 2021, Pakistan was ranked as the number one country in WSW global rankings as the country held the most number of events in the entire world. It is a considerable feat as it signals that the sheer number of events possibly spread space and technology awareness among the masses, even in rural areas.
In 2022, World Space Week is being celebrated in Pakistan with the usual zeal of many educational institutions, agencies, clubs, and companies all over the country. Institute of Space Technology kicked off the week on 6th October where around 2,000 students from around the country participated and the guests included the Chairman of NCGSA, Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi. The first round was held online in September and the final round for the competitions is being held till the 8th of October. In order to encourage and rouse students about space and technology, the competitions are based on different categories: Space Quizzes, Space Architectures, Space Recitations, Space Models and Collectables, Space Innovation, Space Creative Writing, Space Fine Arts, Space Applications, Space Performing Arts, Space Technology Demonstration, Space for UN SDGs and Space Life.
For the advancement and sustainable future of mankind, the World Space Week event must be observed every year so that the new generations can become aware of the importance of space and be influenced to enter related fields and create marvels.
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