World Space Week 2026 begins today, October 4, and runs till October 10. It is the world’s largest annual space event, held in 100 nations.

This year’s theme is “Rocket Revolution.” It celebrates how reusable rockets, commercial launch companies, startups and new national space programmes are making access to orbit cheaper and more frequent.

The dates are historic. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first human-made satellite. On October 10, 1967, the Outer Space Treaty entered into force. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the week in 1999.

Last year’s edition drew a record of nearly 50,000 events across 102 countries. This year’s highlights include an ESA exhibition with Pokemon, the online premiere of BBC StoryWorks’ Space Renaissance series, and a NASA Kennedy Space Center expo.

United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno is the honorary chair. World Space Week Association president Dennis Stone says the theme will also inspire students to take up science and engineering careers.