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From October 4 to 10, the world celebrates World Space Week—the largest annual event dedicated to scientific and technological advances in space exploration. This year, the week's theme is both a challenge and a dream: "Life in Space," according to the UN press service.
The idea of transforming space into a living environment no longer seems like science fiction. The week focuses on innovative technologies, international collaboration, and environmental solutions that bring humanity closer to life beyond Earth. Organizers around the world are preparing educational seminars, panel discussions, and interactive projects to inspire a new generation of engineers, scientists, and dreamers.
The origins and meaning of the Week
World Space Week was established by the UN General Assembly in 1999 (resolution 54/68) as a way to highlight the contribution of space technology to improving life on Earth. The dates were chosen for a reason: on October 4, 1957, the first artificial satellite was launched, and on October 10, 1967, the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space—a kind of "Magna Carta of Space"—came into force.
Today, space technologies are actively used in the work of more than 25 UN agencies and the World Bank Group. They help address sustainable development challenges, respond to humanitarian crises, and achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
The UN and Space: From Resolutions to Real Projects
Since the dawn of the space age, the UN has strived to harness the potential of outer space for the benefit of humanity. The first resolution on the peaceful uses of outer space was adopted in 1958. Today, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, part of the UN Vienna Office, is responsible for coordinating international efforts.
The Office maintains the Register of Objects Launched into Space and serves the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the only UN body dedicated exclusively to this topic. The Committee includes two subcommittees: Scientific and Technical and Legal, ensuring a comprehensive approach to space exploration issues.
