World Space Week 2025: Space and Climate Action.

World Space Week 2025: Space and Climate Action — Humanity’s Frontier of Progress۔

Every year, from October 4 to October 10, the world celebrates World Space Week, an international observance established by the United Nations to highlight the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of humanity. It is the largest annual space event on Earth, celebrated in more than 90 countries through educational activities, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns.

The Origins of World Space Week

World Space Week commemorates two historic milestones that changed the course of human civilization:

1. October 4, 1957 – The launch of Sputnik-1, the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union, marking the dawn of the Space Age.

2. October 10, 1967 – The signing of the Outer Space Treaty, which set the foundation for the peaceful use of outer space for all humankind.

Since then, this week has symbolized humankind’s shared journey to explore, understand, and responsibly utilize space.

The Theme of 2025: “Space and Climate Action”

The 2025 theme — “Space and Climate Action” — underscores the vital role of space technology in understanding and combating climate change. Satellites and space missions help monitor global temperature rise, melting glaciers, deforestation, and sea-level fluctuations.

Data from orbit enables better disaster management, resource planning, and sustainable urban development — making space technology a guardian of our planet’s future.

Global Developments in Space Science

1. The United States (NASA)

NASA remains a global leader with its Artemis Program, aiming to return humans to the Moon and eventually establish a lunar base as a stepping stone to Mars.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos by capturing images of galaxies formed billions of years ago.

2. China (CNSA)

China’s Tiangong Space Station, Chang’e lunar missions, and Tianwen-1 Mars mission have demonstrated its rapid ascent as a major space power.

China’s advances emphasize self-reliance, long-term planning, and national pride in scientific achievement.

3. Europe (ESA)

The European Space Agency (ESA) focuses on Earth observation, environmental protection, and planetary science. Its Copernicus Program provides critical data for climate research and global sustainability.

4. The Private Sector Revolution

Companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have made space more accessible than ever before. The rise of commercial spaceflight and satellite constellations is redefining communication, navigation, and even tourism beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Pakistan’s Journey in Space Science

The Early Vision

Pakistan was among the first countries in Asia to recognize the importance of space research. In 1961, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Abdus Salam, the government established SUPARCO — the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.

Major Achievements

1. BADR-1 (1990): Pakistan’s first experimental satellite, marking its entry into the space era.

2. BADR-B (2001): Launched to test advanced communication and data relay technologies.

3. PRSS-1 (2018): The Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite, developed with China’s cooperation, enables Earth observation for agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management.

4. PakTES-1A (2018): An indigenously developed satellite that further strengthened Pakistan’s technical capabilities.

Current and Future Goals

SUPARCO is working toward:

• Developing indigenous Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) for climate and environmental monitoring.

• Advancing communication satellites for improved internet and broadcasting coverage.

• Promoting STEM education and space awareness through World Space Week activities in schools and universities.

• Collaborating internationally to enhance research, technology transfer, and joint missions.

Pakistan’s growing interest in space education, robotics, and satellite applications shows the potential for a new generation of scientists to contribute to global progress.

How Space Technology Serves Humanity

• Climate Monitoring: Satellites detect temperature changes, melting ice, and carbon emissions.

• Disaster Management: Early warnings for floods, earthquakes, and cyclones save thousands of lives.

• Agriculture and Water Management: Space data helps farmers manage crops, irrigation, and soil conditions.

• Communication and Navigation: GPS, internet connectivity, and television broadcasting rely on satellite networks.

• Global Unity: Space exploration fosters collaboration beyond borders, uniting nations in scientific pursuit.

Conclusion: Humanity’s Shared Destiny Among the Stars

World Space Week reminds us that space is not a domain of competition, but a platform for cooperation and survival. In the face of climate change and global challenges, space technology offers solutions that protect our planet and uplift humanity.

For Pakistan, embracing space innovation means embracing scientific self-reliance, education, and sustainable development. By inspiring its youth and investing in research, Pakistan can secure its place among the nations shaping the future beyond Earth.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.”

Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.