SUPARCO to celebrate World Space Week

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) will celebrate World Space Week (WSW) from October 04-10 to increase awareness of space technology and promote its peaceful usage amongst students and the masses in the country.

It is an international celebration of the contribution that space science and technology makes to the betterment of the human
condition.

The theme of this year World Space Week is "Space for Human Safety & Security".

The United Nations has declared World Space Week from October 4-10, annually. It is celebrated in some 55 nations of the world including Pakistan.

During WSW, events and educational programs related to space are held globally.

Talking to APP, Spokesperson SUPARCO Hassam Khan said this year, SUPARCO has extended WSW activities in 10 major cities of Pakistan with the partnership of key educational institutions.

World Space Week was declared in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly, implementing a key recommendation of the Third
United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of
Outer Space (UNISPACE III).

World Space Week is celebrated from 04 to 10 October each year. The two days signify two very important events.

October 4 1957 reminds the launch of the first human made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration.

While October 10, 1967 reminds the signing of the treaty on the Principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer Space.

Hassam Khan said the objective of World Space Week is to increase awareness among decision-makers and the general public, of the benefits of peaceful uses of Outer space.

It encourages greater use of space for sustainable economic development and demonstrates public support for space programmes.

World Space Week has become the largest annual public space event on earth.

Government, industries, schools, museums, planetariums and other institutions in over fifty-five nations participate in WSW.

This week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of Space Week International Association and local coordinators in many countries. (APP)