For Immediate Release
(9 October 2023)
On the occasion of World Space Week 2023, World Space Week Association (WSWA) today announced the selection of Alma Okpalefe as Executive Director.
“Alma Okpalefe brings to WSWA her significant experience in space, law, and international relations,” said Association President Dennis Stone. Ms. Okpalefe served for 17 years at Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) where she was responsible for corporate strategy, international relations, and legal services.
“I am deeply honored to take on the role of Executive Director to support the biggest space event on Earth,” said Okpalefe. “Space is my passion and I look forward to leading WSWA efforts to strengthen the links between space and society via World Space Week,” she said.
WSWA serves as global coordinator of World Space Week, the annual, UN-declared celebration of space held 4-10 October with thousands of space-related public and student events in some 90 nations.
Okpalefe replaces Maruksa Strah, who served as the Association‘s Executive Director for five years, Stone said.
About World Space Week Association
World Space Week Association is the global coordinator of World Space Week. An international non-government, nonprofit organization, the Association is a permanent observer on the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It is supported by voluntary contributions from sponsors including Sierra Nevada Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Viasat, SCI Aerospace, Inc., SES, Goldman Sachs, Airbus, Heidi Cruz, and GUHEM . The Association, founded in 1982, is one of the world’s oldest space advocacy organizations.
About World Space Week
The largest space event on Earth, UN-declared World Space Week is celebrated October 4-10 annually. It is an international celebration of the contribution of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. World Space Week consists of a myriad of space-related events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs in a common timeframe to achieve greater student and public impact. In 2022, more than 11,000 events took place in 87 countries.
Media Contact
Ilayda Edali, WSWA Operations Manager, iedali@worldspaceweek.org