- New Zealand
The World Space Week Association (WSWA) organized a celebration of the Moon landing in Houston in July 1980, which was initially called “Spaceweek” and became a US national event in 1981.
The Space Week was so successful that in 1999, the UN General Assembly decided to adopt an International Space Week. The dates were chosen to commemorate the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, on October 4, 1957, and the signing of the Outer Space Treaty on October 10, 1967.
Sputnik, first satellite
General Assembly declares World Space Week as an international event
Signing of the Space Treaty
Every year the World Space Week Association Board of Directors selects a theme to highlight an aspect of space with broad appeal to humanity. This theme provides guidance to World Space Week participants on the content of their programs. Event holders are encouraged to address the current year’s theme in their events and publicity.
2022 – Space and Sustainabiltiy
2021 – Women in Space
2020 – Satellites Improve Life
2019 – The Moon: Gateway to the Stars
2018 – Space Unites the World
2017 – Exploring New Worlds In Space
2016 – Remote Sensing – Enabling our Future
2015 – Discovery
2014 – Space: Guiding Your Way
2013 – Exploring Mars – Discovering Earth>/a>
2012 – Space for Human Safety and Security
2011 – 50 Years of Human Spaceflight
2010 – Mysteries of the Cosmos
2009 – Space for Education
2008 – Exploring the Universe
2007 – 50 Years in Space
2006 – Space for Saving Lives
2005 – Discovery and Imagination
2004 – Space for Sustainable Development
2003 – Space: Horizon Beyond Earth
2002 – Space and Daily Life
2001 – Inspiration from Space
2000 – Launching the Space Millennium
For support in hosting or promoting your event, contact the World Space Week New Zealand coordination team via the contact form on our website.
World Space Week (WSW) is the world’s largest annual celebration of space, held from 4–10 October. It is endorsed by the United Nations and celebrated in over 90 countries, including New Zealand.
World Space Week New Zealand is a nationwide, community-driven initiative, coordinated by educators, astronomers, schools, libraries, museums, and local organisations, and linked to the global World Space Week Association.
Events can include:
Stargazing nights and planetarium shows
Classroom activities and STEM workshops
Public talks, exhibitions, and art competitions
Business and community events exploring space innovation.
Teachers can:
Run classroom activities aligned with NZ Curriculum (Planet Earth & Beyond, Nature of Science, Technology).
Invite guest speakers.
Join online talks and competitions.
The dates commemorate two historic milestones:
4 October 1957: Launch of Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite.
10 October 1967: Signing of the Outer Space Treaty, which governs peaceful use of space.
Not at all! WSW is for everyone—teachers, students, businesses, libraries, whānau, and anyone curious about space.
Anyone can register an event! Simply plan your activity and submit it through the World Space Week New Zealand event form. Your event will be featured on the national and global calendars.
Most events are free or low-cost. Hosting an event is free to register, though you’ll cover your own event costs.
Country Coordinator
