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What you need to know
- This year’s theme, rocket Revolution, focused on rapid transformation in the way we reach space – now expanding through commercial launch providers, reusable rockets, university teams and other innovators
- More than 50,000 events are planned in more than 100 countries
- This week represents the world’s largest space event
What does the UN do in space?
Earlier this year, the UN hosted four astronauts who recently returned from space, carrying out the longest manned spaceflight in history when they traveled beyond the far side of the Moon.
However, the UN has been involved in space affairs for decades. The General Assembly established a committee in 1959 to regulate the exploration and use of outer space for the benefit of all – with a focus on peace, security and development.
Playing a key role in creating the five treaties and principles governing outer space, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) has mandated tasks that include keeping pace with rapid technological advances.
Since then, space science and technology and its applications have increasingly been used to support various UN activities. At least 25 UN entities use it.
Here are some examples:
Cosmic plant: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O) is sending seeds to the International Space Station in November 2022 to test how harsh space conditions change plant genetics for climate resilience on Earth
Satellite telemedicine: World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with UNOOSA to apply space science and satellite technology to help solve global health challenges
Space junk: United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) helps promote long-term sustainability in Earth orbit given the 130 million pieces of debris in circulation – from satellite fragments to abandoned spacecraft
Learn more about World Space Week Here.
“It was like entering a dreamland,” recalled one of the astronauts.
In 1990, 17 astronauts shared their extraordinary experiences in Our Planet Eartha timeless documentary produced for the United Nations by Lemle Pictures, Inc. in collaboration with the Association of Space Explorers and the Canadian International Development Agency.
“It was the greatest feeling I have ever felt in my life,” said one of the astronauts. “Seeing a black sky and a bright sun. It’s impossible, but I saw it.”
Others said he tried to maneuver clumsily in weightlessness, and found himself awkwardly wedged against a window as he was mesmerized by the view and beauty of Earth.
Some summed up the feelings commonly felt among space explorers.
“I feel love for all the inhabitants of the earth,” he said. “I just want to love them all.”
