Islamabad: The annual World Space Week celebrations commence today, with this year’s theme spotlighting the critical nexus between “Space and Climate Change.” The event, celebrated globally from October 4 to 10, highlights the pivotal role of space technology in understanding and addressing climate change issues.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Pakistan’s national space agency, has actively participated in World Space Week since 2005, hosting various educational and public outreach activities. These initiatives are designed to showcase the significant contributions of space science and technology to improving life on Earth.
World Space Week, officially declared by the United Nations in 1999, commemorates the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, on October 4, 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space on October 10, 1967. The week serves as an international celebration of science and technology and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.
SUPARCO’s agenda for the week includes workshops, conferences, and interactive sessions that aim to educate the public about the implications of space technology in monitoring climate phenomena and fostering sustainable development. These activities underscore the crucial role of satellite technology in disaster management and environmental monitoring.