In keeping with an annual tradition started in 2007, the Rotunda of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) once again was a buzz with children's laughter and excited voices. More than 120 school students, aged 6 to 10 years, came from three schools from the 20th district came to participate in the activities of the 10th anniversary of World Space Week, organized by UNIS Vienna, the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in cooperation with the Austrian Space Forum.
In addition to briefings by an Austrian astronaut and space experts, the children had the opportunity to steer the Dignity Rover (Mars Rover) using remote control on a simulated surface of the planet Mars and dress as astronauts pretending to walk on the surface of the red planet. They visited the permanent space exhibition of UNOOSA and learned more about satellites, rockets and spaceships and admired the stone from the Moon. Ever since it was declared by resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999 by the UN General Assembly, World Space Week is celebrated every year at the VIC with visiting school children.
World Space Week celebrates the contribution of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. Endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1999, it marks the anniversary of two milestones in the human exploration and use of outer space: the launch of the first artificial satellite, SPUTNIK I, on 4 October 1957, and the entry into force of the Treaty Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, which took place on 10 October 1967. Every year it is celebrated by various public and school activities all around the world.
