World Space Week 2026: why it runs from 4 to 10 October and what this year’s ‘Rocket Revolution’ theme means

World Space Week, the world’s largest annual space event, is under way and runs until Saturday, 10 October. Searches for it have jumped in India this week.

Why 4 to 10 October

The UN General Assembly proclaimed World Space Week in 1999. The dates mark two milestones: on 4 October 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite, and on 10 October 1967 the Outer Space Treaty, which governs how countries explore and use space, came into force.

This year’s theme: Rocket Revolution

Each year’s theme is chosen by the World Space Week Association with the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs. According to the UN, the 2026 theme, Rocket Revolution, is about how access to space, once limited to a few government programmes, is opening up through commercial launch companies, reusable rockets, university teams, startups and new national space agencies. That is changing who can reach space, how often launches happen and what space is used for.

How to take part

• Anyone can hold a space-related event between 4 and 10 October and register it on the official World Space Week website.
• You don’t need to follow the theme or have a science background. Skywatching, a talk at school or a visit to a planetarium all count.
• Free stargazing apps can help you identify stars, planets and constellations from your balcony.

Why it matters

The UN says the week helps inspire students, build public support for space programmes and encourage international cooperation. At least 25 UN entities now use space science and technology in their work.

Sources: United Nations, Star Walk.