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What is World Space Week?
It is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events:

• 4 October 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration
  
• 10 October 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activites of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.
  

Where and how is World Space Week celebrated?
It is open to all. Government agencies, industry, non-profit organizations, teachers and individuals can organize events to celebrate World Space Week. The week is coordinated by the United Nations with the support of the World Space Week Association (WSWA).

As national coordinator for World Space Week activities in the UK, the British Interplanetary Society would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in this year’s activities by running your own event. All you have to do to participate is get in touch with them and they will help you to promote and plan a space related event to take place between 4 and 10 October 2012.

What are the goals of World Space Week?

• 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
  
• Foster international cooperation in space outreach and education

CPD course:
ESERO-UK are hosting the second part of the James Webb Telescope - Space as a Context for Teaching Science CPD course.



Classroom resources:
The theme for Space Week 2012, "Space for Human Safety and Security", has been chosen to celebrate the many ways in which mankind's activities in space improve our daily lives.

Here are some resources and links that show how our activity in space improves our lives down on Earth. You will need to sign in or freely register to access this list.