With the theme of 2025 “Living in space”, the celebration highlights how scientific innovation, international law and collaboration are shaping the future of a new potential chapter in human history between stars, and technologies that are already changing life at home.
Established by the UN in 1999, the annual commemoration extends from October 4 to 10, ended by two historical milestones: the 1957 launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite of the world and the external space treaty of 1967, the foundation of the International Space Law.
Today, more than 90 countries launch satellites and It is projected that the global space economy exceeds $ 730 billion by 2030.
“Space is not a distant dream. It is already a shared reality,“Said Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the UN Office for Outdoor Space Affairs (OOSA).” If we work together, it can help us solve the most pressing challenges of the earth. “
A photograph of observation of the night land taken from the International Space Station, as it passes over Japan. Also in the image there is a Soyuz spacecraft, connected to the Mini Research Module of the station and a spacecraft of progress. (File photo)
Innovation and daily life
This year’s theme invites the public to imagine life beyond the earth, from lunar bases to long -term orbital missions. But many of the technologies that allow the life of the planet already support everyday life on earth.
From solar panels to water purification systems, innovations born from space research have transformed industries and homes. Satellite -based GPS, weather monitoring and telecommunications have become indispensable.
However, the space is being filled more and more.
From 2024, more than 45,000 human manufacturing objects orbit land, from active satellites to spacecraft and parts. Thousands are planned in the coming years, increasing the risk of collisions and an increase in space garbage.
Oosa helps countries establish standards for sustainability, including rubble mitigation and “space traffic management.” It maintains the UN registration of objects in orbit and supports national laws aligned with international treaties, ensuring safe and equitable access.
Beyond the earth: a moon for all
Lunar exploration is another growing border.
More than 100 missions are planned by 2030, ranging from scientific research to commercial companies. The “One Moon for All” initiative coordinates these efforts to maintain safe, peaceful and inclusive exploration.
“These missions offer immense opportunities for knowledge and growth, but also require careful governance and planning,“Mrs. Holla-Maini said.
NASA’s astronaut Scott Kelly is seen floating during a space walk of the ISS in December 2015.
Space for development
Space is increasingly a development tool, not only for rich nations.
The UN has helped countries, including Kenya, Nepal and Guatemala, in the construction of their first satellites and supports governments in the use of space data for disaster response, climate monitoring and food security.
Satellite images are also helping to protect the environment, allowing nations to fight illegal fishing, monitor forest fires and prevent deforestation.
Safeguard the future
Multilateral cooperation is essential to maintain conflict -free space for all, especially as private companies and geopolitical tensions grow. All UN Member States, spacers or not, must have a voice in the government.
That spirit of cooperation has already been tested in orbit.
The former NASA astronaut and UN champion for Space Scott Kelly, remembering his 520 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), described it as the final demonstration of what humanity can achieve together.
“We build this space station … While we fly around the Earth at 17,500 miles per hour, in vacuum, in temperature ranges of more or less 270 degrees,“He said, pointing out that their modules,” some of which had never been touched on earth before, “the astronauts and cosmonauts joined in orbit that worked in these very, very difficult conditions.”
“This space station is the most difficult thing we have done … If we can do this, we can do anything,“Mr. Kelly added, stressing that global cooperation makes possible even the most extraordinary human efforts.