Islamabad : Institute of Space Technology (IST), Pakistan is celebrating World Space Week (WSW) among more than 95 countries around the globe from October 4-10, 202. A virtual ceremony was held to mark the inauguration of “Women in Space” themed World Space Week 2021, at Institute of Space Technology.

Vice Chancellor – Institute of Space Technology – Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Rehan Abdul Baqi – HI (M) officiated the celebrations at IST. Speaking to the participating students and their faculty members, he especially commended the efforts of faculty for inciting an interest in the young inquisitive minds for space technology.

He highlighted the firm role of women in the advancement of space science and technology in Pakistan. More than 4000 participants from 100+ schools, colleges and universities of Pakistan are participating in 191 space themed competitions, webinars and trainings in a week-long activity being organized by Institute of Space Technology. The celebrations are in line with the United Nations deceleration of World Space Week from October 4-10, to educate people about the bounties of space and to encourage greater use of space technology for sustainable socio-economic development.

This year the world is celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women to the space sector. SUPARCO being the National Space Agency of Pakistan is the National Coordinator for World Space Week celebrations. The WSW 2021 at IST is co-organized by the National Center of GIS and Space Applications’ (NCGSA) initiative of Space Awareness and Outreach, a project spear headed by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The Chairman NCGSA Dr. Najam Abbas Naqvi also attended the inauguration ceremony and introduced the especially crafted “Women in Space” themed modules of WSW 2021