Inmarsat supports World Space Week 2014

Inmarsat is supporting World Space Week on 4-10 October, which this year goes under the theme ‘Space: Guiding Your Way’, in celebration of the crucial satellite communications and navigation systems that guide people and pinpoint places.

The United Nations General Assembly first declared that World Space Week would be held each year from 4 October in 1999. Today it has grown to become the largest event of its kind, bringing together space agencies and organisations with schools, planetaria, museums and astronomy clubs to encourage a wealth of educational and outreach activities.

The main objective of World Space Week is to encourage young people to learn about the power of satellite communications and navigation technology, and the potential career opportunities that are open to them.

Inmarsat is helping to extend global awareness of the international celebration of science and technology, which last year saw a record-breaking 1,420 events held across 80 nations, through its sponsorship of the Volvo Ocean Race.

As official Satellite Communications Partner for the Race, the start of which coincides with World Space Week on 4 October, Inmarsat will be providing the Volvo Ocean Race Museum in Alicante, Spain with learning materials for children, detailing the Inmarsat technology on board each of the competing boats and tying in with the week’s objectives.

Children visiting the museum will be able to take part in fun workshops and take home specially produced information, which explains how Inmarsat’s award-winning global satellite network will support each of the seven race teams with connectivity for the entire race, and help keep them safe by pinpointing their location as they chart their way around the world.  

“Being able to connect our support of World Space Week with the start of the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 is a tremendous opportunity for us to demonstrate just how our space-based satellite network plays a vital role here on earth,” said Rupert Pearce, CEO Inmarsat.

“As the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications for 35 years and with our rich heritage in providing vital safety services, we are supportive of World Space Week’s mission to engage with more people on the importance of space through public education and participation.”

Remco Timmerman, Executive Director of World Space Week, added: “As Inmarsat plays such a significant role in the satellite industry we are thrilled to have their support for World Space Week.

“‘Space: Guiding Your Way’ is all about using satellites to navigate and how crucial they are to our daily lives, but the opportunity to also demonstrate the essential role they play in guiding the Volvo Ocean Race crew around the world is fascinating and exciting.”

Inmarsat’s support of World Space Week will extend throughout the nine-month long Volvo Ocean Race to the 11 race villages in Alicante; Cape Town; Abu Dhabi; Sanya; Auckland; Itajai; Newport; Lisbon; Lorient; The Hague and Gothenburg.

Around three million visitors are expected to attend race village exhibitions and events.

Inmarsat and World Space Week: www.inmarsat.com
Inmarsat and Volvo Ocean Race: www.inmarsat.com/vor
World Space Week: www.worldspaceweek.com