Find One Near You, Today!
Houston, 6th October 2016 – You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or know an astronaut to be part of the global celebration of space taking place this week, October 4-10. “The UN declared in 1999 that everybody should celebrate the benefits of space technology during this week designated World Space Week,” said Timiebi Aganaba-Jeanty, Executive Director of World Space Week Association (WSWA). To kick off activities on Tuesday, October 4th, World Space Week Sponsor Lockheed Martin launched a live virtual field trip and prepared teacher guides to teach kids about deep space exploration. On the other side of the world, Chief Minister of Kerala inaugurated the World Space Week program of the Indian Space Agency and at Alton Towers theme park Apollo Astronaut Al Worden launched the week’s activities in the UK which includes workshops, and interplanetary tours.
With over 1000 registered World Space Week events in 79 countries, professionals, students, and enthusiasts are invited to join nearby events that are in the World Space Week Events Calendar or register their own event, big or small. It’s not too late to participate in this global celebration, its only day 3! “With our online resource guides for teachers, as well as our posters and other branding material, event organizers can find unique ways to bring the benefits of space to participants in their local environment,” said Timiebi.
Some of the global highlights include activities that have been successful for several years, such as the Airbus Space and Defense employee visits to schools in France, Germany and the UK. But others are new this year. 2016 will see the inaugural participation of Singapore. Former NASA scientist Dr. Bidushi Bhattacharya leads the celebration in Singapore and said “Not only is it the first for Singapore but it will be big too” with celebrations categorized into public talks, hands-on workshops related to earth observing satellites and hacking sessions to define mission concepts related to remote sensing of earth. As emerging space nations increase their capacity, their activities also grow as the Mexican Space Agency has reported that there are 132 events planned across various states in Mexico to celebrate World Space Week.
World Space Week may have blasted off but don’t be left on the launch pad! Check out the World Space Week website to find events near you or follow the instructions to register your own event.
About World Space Week
The largest space event on Earth, UN-declared World Space Week (WSW) is celebrated October 4-10 annually. Nearly 1,900 space-related events were held during World Space Week 2015 in over 70 nations. The events are organized by space organizations, schools, and others to inspire youth, educate the public about space, and show public support for space activity. For more information, visit www.worldspaceweek.org.
About World Space Week Association
WSW Association is a non-profit organization which supports the UN in the global coordination of World Space Week. Led by a global volunteer Board, the Association encourages participation in WSW, supports participants, and publicizes the resulting global celebration of space. A key focus of the Association is using space during WSW each year to stimulate STEM education worldwide. WSWA is supported by voluntary contributions by sponsors as is Lockheed Martin.
Notes for editors:
· Please contact WSWA Executive Director Timiebi Aganaba-Jeanty for more information:taganaba@worldspaceweek.org
· Please find our official logo at www.worldspaceweek.org/media/logo
· All information about World Space Week, its directors and board members, as well as history of themes and other support information, can be found at www.worldspaceweek.org
· You can follow World Space Week on Twitter (@WorldSpaceWeek, use #WSW2016)
