World Space Week 2026: 4-10 October, theme ‘Rocket Revolution’
Why in the news
World Space Week 2026 will be observed from 4 to 10 October with the theme ‘Rocket Revolution’, announced by the World Space Week Association.
Key facts
- Theme 2026: ‘Rocket Revolution’ highlights how space launch has moved from government-only programmes to a varied ecosystem of commercial providers, reusable rockets and new space players.
- Coordinator: World Space Week Association; its president and co-founder is Dennis Stone.
- Scale: the 2025 edition recorded nearly 50,000 events across more than 100 countries, making it the largest annual space event.
- Schools, space agencies, museums and astronomy clubs hold events to inspire interest in STEM.
Why 4-10 October
| Date | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 4 October | Launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite | 1957 |
| 10 October | Outer Space Treaty entered into force | 1967 |
About World Space Week
The UN General Assembly declared World Space Week on 6 December 1999. Each year’s theme is chosen by the World Space Week Association’s Board of Directors.
| Year | Theme |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Space and Entrepreneurship |
| 2024 | Space & Climate Change |
| 2025 | Living In Space |
| 2026 | Rocket Revolution |
Exam angle
- Remember the dates (4-10 October) and the 2026 theme.
- Link the dates to Sputnik 1 (1957) and the Outer Space Treaty (1967).
- UNGA declaration year: 1999.