Following a recommendation of UNISPACE III, the General Assembly, in its resolution 54/68, declared 4 to 10 October as World Space Week to celebrate each year at the international level the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of mankind.

The dates for World Space Week were agreed upon bearing in mind that 4 October 1957 was the date of the launch into outer space of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration, and that 10 October 1967 was the date of the entry into force of the Treaty on Principles governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

Since then WSW celebrations have been a major event in October in every participating state and organizations throughout the world