This Week in Space (Audio) TWiS 181: World Space Week - A UN-Established Global Celebration of Space
Oct 10, 2025
In this conversation with Alma Okpalefe, the Executive Director of the World Space Week Association, listeners learn about the vibrant global celebration of space established by the UN. Alma shares her inspiring journey from legal counsel in Nigeria's satellite programs to leading initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusion in the space sector. The theme for 2025, 'Living in Space,' resonates widely, as she discusses various educational outreach activities and the importance of inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
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Unexpected Path Into Space Leadership
- Alma Okpalefe discovered space work unexpectedly when offered legal counsel on Nigeria's first communications satellite project and later joined World Space Week.
- She had no childhood space passion and hopes to increase representation so others find visible career paths.
UN-Backed Global Week For Space
- World Space Week is a UN-declared, global celebration held Oct 4–10 to spotlight space achievements and challenges.
- The dates honor Sputnik's launch and the Outer Space Treaty coming into force.
Register Events Through National Coordinators
- National coordinators run World Space Week locally and register events on the global website.
- Use the website to register and link your event to global reporting and UN submissions.