World Space Week 2012 was the largest public space event in history, it was announced today by World Space Week Association.   So far, 708 event have been reported by participants in 66 countries.  Records broken include number of countries, number of events, and number of cities.

Held annually from October 4-10 by schools and other organizations, UN-declared World Space Week celebrates space in many ways.  This year's World Space Week theme was "Space for Human Safety and Security."  Many events also celebrated the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong and the historic Apollo 11 mission to the Moon.

"We thank the many, many organizations globally who worked together to make World Space Week 2012 the largest ever," said Dennis Stone,  President of World Space Week Association.  "We also thank the 70 National Coordinators and Association volunteers who worked throughout the year in promoting participation," he said.

By synchronizing space outreach events in a common timeframe, participating organizations get leverage, Stone said.  "When we join voices, our voices are louder, inspiring children and educating the public about space," he said.

Below are the 66 countries which reported World Space Week 2012 participation according to the on-line calendar.  For a detailed listing of events, visit the World Space Week web site.