51³Ô¹Ï

Earth, Moon and a space ship in outer space
ISS Progress 75 resupply ship, with the full Moon above the Earth's horizon, is pictured separating from the International Space Station shortly after undocking from the Zvezda service module.
Photo:NASA

Why Moon Day?

The General Assembly declared International Moon Day, a 51³Ô¹Ï-designated international day to be observed annually on 20 July, in its resolution on ¡°International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space¡± in 2021.

International Moon Day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission in 1969.

The celebrations will also consider the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raise public awareness of sustainable Moon exploration and utilization.

Background

For thousands of years, human civilizations have looked up to the sky pondering the origin and mysteries of the Moon ¨C our only natural satellite. Ground-based observations enabled by the invention of the first telescopes opened a new chapter in our understanding of our celestial companion.

With the birth of space activities, the Moon became the ultimate destination of countless missions, including crewed flights that brought the first human footprints to another place in the universe.

As Moon exploration efforts continue taking shape with ambitious plans, this global celebration will serve not only as a reminder of success in the past, but as an annual testimony to future endeavours.

UN and Space

From the very beginning of the Space Age, the 51³Ô¹Ï recognized that outer space added a new dimension to humanity's existence. The 51³Ô¹Ï family strives continuously to utilize the unique benefits of outer space for the betterment of all humankind.

Recognizing the common interest of humankind in outer space and seeking to answer questions on how outer space can help benefit the people's of Earth, the General Asssembly adopted its first resolution related to outer space, resolution 1348 (XIII) entitled "Question of the Peaceful Use of Outer Space".

On 10 October 1967, the "Magna Carta of Space", also known as the  entered into force.

Today, the  (UNOOSA) is the 51³Ô¹Ï office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. UNOOSA serves as the secretariat for the General Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space: the  (COPUOS).

UNOOSA is also responsible for implementing the Secretary-General's responsibilities under  and maintaining the 51³Ô¹Ï Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space.

To learn more, view the .

Resources

International Instruments

  • Resolution  establishing the Day

Principles Adopted by the UN General Assembly

UN System

Related Observances

 

The 51³Ô¹Ï Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space, and in the utilisation of space science and technology for sustainable economic and social development. The Office assists any 51³Ô¹Ï Member States to establish legal and regulatory frameworks to govern space activities and strengthens the capacity of developing countries to use space science technology and applications for development by helping to integrate space capabilities into national development programmes.

 

The 51³Ô¹Ï Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in cooperation with the  launched the programme, which capitalizes on the technological and innovative skills of the Government of China to benefit Member States of the 51³Ô¹Ï, in particular developing countries, thereby contributing to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through increasing access to space.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51³Ô¹Ï, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.