EuropaWorld 12/10/2001 Our Hope Lies Beyond the Stars

Forty-four years ago - it seems hard to imagine - space was the mysterious void that lay beyond the atmosphere. Space was what kept us imprisoned on our planet, and yet space was nothing more than the absence of matter. Then bleep-bleep-bleeping, just breaking through the static came the semi-musical sound that we were told was Sputnik 1. We had broken free, man was in space.

Such thoughts are prompted by the UN's observance, this week of 'World Space Week' an event, so their press department tells us that will be celebrated in more than 20 countries. This year the week has the theme 'Inspiration from Space' - which some may consider particularly appropriate as the global coalition gets stuck in to the grave business of extirpating international terrorism.

For what greater inspiration can there be than the pictures brought back from the Apollo missions of our little blue planet floating alone in a sea of blackness, emphasising so graphically mankind's fragility and its interdependence.

Similar reflections were voiced by the UN Secretary-General. World Space Week was an occasion to "rededicate ourselves to sharing those inspirations and discoveries with all humanity," he said pointing out that space exploration continued to inspire people and lead to technologies that benefited all.

Space exploration can even help bring cultures together, he continued, noting that today's manned space missions were rarely top-secret national projects. "Much more common are international crews, with members from a variety of backgrounds. Their missions capture the imaginations not only of their native lands, but of people around the world."

Fascination with space leads many young people to pursue careers in science and technology, helping developing countries in particular to build up their human resources, improve their technological base and enhance their prospects for development, the Secretary-General said.