WORLD SPACE WEEK NEWS:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WORLD SPACE WEEK 2005 LAUNCHES WITH GLOBAL SPACE CELEBRATIONS AND NEW SPACE-THEMED CURRICULUM FOR LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHERS

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2005 – Marked by the 48-year anniversary of the launch of Sputnik-1, World Space Week began yesterday, featuring space education programs across the globe, new middle-school curriculum based on the work of famed science fiction writer Robert Heinlein, the first annual X Prize Cup in New Mexico, the launch of the world's third space tourist and a high-profile reception for space policy leaders in Washington, DC.

"In the 21st century, the 'space club' is no longer reserved for a few major powers," said Courtney Stadd, chairman of World Space Week Association (WSWA), the non-profit organization that supports the United Nations with coordination of World Space Week events. "With NASA announcing ambitious new plans to return humans to the moon and on to Mars, China gearing up for its second spaceflight later this month and private industry moving ahead with space tourism and commerce, we are bearing witness to a second Space Age in which a majority of nations and industries are pursuing the benefits of space research and exploration."

Stadd led a World Space Week VIP reception today with key space leaders in Washington, DC. The event was sponsored by Global Science & Technology, Inc. and hosted by WSWA and the National Space Society.

World Space Week also announces the immediate availability of the World Space Week Heinlein Teacher Guide for middle school (grades 5-9) teachers. This free activity guide can be downloaded from the World Space Week Web site (www.spaceweek.org) and offers six science activities and six language arts activities based on excerpts from Robert A. Heinlein's groundbreaking book "Have Spacesuit - Will Travel."

"One of the most exciting aspects of space exploration is its universal ability to inspire young people to set and pursue ambitious goals," said Lance Bass, entertainer and youth spokesman for World Space Week. "Science teachers are pros at using space to motivate their students, but other subject areas have traditionally steered clear of space exploration. This new curriculum will specifically help teachers of English, literature and creative writing tap into that potential by using literary techniques to explore the thrill of spaceflight."

In addition to the Washington reception and new Heinlein curriculum, many events are planned around the world in some 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Finland, Philippines, and Singapore. World Space Week 2005 event highlights include:

* Spaceflight entrepreneurs will meet in New Mexico for the first annual X Prize Cup. Described as an old-fashioned air show with a out-of-this-world twist, the X Prize Cup will bring together the leading private spacecraft innovators on the same rocket testing grounds used by Werhner von Braun almost half a century ago. The event will feature exhibitions, a personal spaceflight symposium and more. For more information, visit www.xpcup.com

* A Russian Soyuz capsule docked with the International Space Station on October 3, delivering a new crew and the third-ever space tourist, Gregory Olsen. Olsen will remain on board until October 10.

* The X Prize-winning SpaceShipOne was unveiled for permanent display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC on October 5, taking a position of honor next to Charles Lindbergh's historic aircraft "Spirit of St. Louis."

* The United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) is conducting a Mars Base Design competition during World Space Week for students around the globe. The competition is open to students age 10-14.

* The Finnish Aviation Museum (Suomen Ilmailumuseo, Vantaa) will host a lecture on the recent probe that landed on Saturn's moon Titan, titled "Cassini / Huygens research with Finnish instruments."

* In Enayetpur, Bangladesh, almost two dozen schools will participate in a colorful World Space Week parade and other related activities on October 6.

For a complete listing of World Space Week activities around the world, please visit www.spaceweek.org.

In addition to the new Heinlein Teacher Guides, various other World Space Week instructional materials are available online for schools, featuring space-related math and science activities for teachers. Materials are available in several languages with activities for all grade levels and require little or no teacher preparation. By participating in World Space Week, teachers can excite students about learning. For details or to download the free educational materials, visit: www.spaceweek.org/education.html.

# # #

ABOUT WORLD SPACE WEEK

From the United States to Bangladesh, from Columbia to China, World Space Week is celebrated annually in some 50 nations, on all seven continents. The largest annual space event on Earth, it serves to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition.

Declared in 1999 by the UN General Assembly, World Space Week marks the anniversary of two great milestones of humanity's expansion into space:

* 4 October 1957 -- Date of the launch into outer space of SPUTNIK I, the first human-made Earth satellite, marking the dawn of the space age and opening the way for space exploration;

* 10 October 1967 -- Date of the entry into force of the United Nations' Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies

ABOUT SPACEWEEK INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1981, World Space Week Association (WSWA) is non-profit organization that proudly supports the United Nations in the global coordination of World Space Week. WSWA works to strengthen the link between space and society through public education, participation, and dialogue on the future of space.

MEDIA CONTACT:

• Jeremy Pyle
• World Space Week Association
• 415-713-6272
• jeremy@ftlcommunications.com

contact us

Copyright ©2000-2008 World Space Week Association. All rights reserved.