International Day of Human Space Flight

International Day of Human Space Flight is celebrated on April 12th each year to commemorate the anniversary of the first human space flight, which was accomplished by Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union on April 12, 1961. This day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on April 7, 2011, to celebrate the beginning of the space era for humankind and to promote the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

The International Day of Human Space Flight recognizes the achievements of humanity in space exploration and its contribution to the betterment of life on Earth. It also serves as a reminder of the need for continued international cooperation in the exploration and peaceful use of outer space.

International Day of Human Space Flight 2024 Theme
The theme of the 2024 International Day of Human Space Flight is to “Encourage scientific curiosity”, it will help in promoting the peaceful exploration and maintenance of outer space.

On this day, various events and activities are organized around the world to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of human space flight. These events include conferences, exhibitions, public lectures, and online activities. Many countries also launch new space missions or conduct space-related experiments and research on this day.

The International Day of Human Space Flight is an opportunity to reflect on the past accomplishments in space exploration and to inspire future generations to continue the exploration and development of space.

Nepal in space
Nepal, a landlocked country in South Asia, does not have a space program of its own, nor has it launched any spacecraft or satellites into space. However, Nepal has been involved in some space-related activities and initiatives.

In 1983, Nepal became a member of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), which is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space.

In 2012, Nepal established its first satellite ground station in Kathmandu, in collaboration with the Chinese government, to receive data from Chinese remote-sensing satellites for various applications such as weather forecasting, disaster management, and agriculture.

In 2019, Nepal's first satellite, NepaliSat-1, was launched into space by Japan. The satellite was designed and built by Nepalese students from the Nepalese Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and was launched from the International Space Station (ISS). NepaliSat-1 is a low-earth orbit CubeSat that will be used for space research and to provide information on weather patterns and the country's topography.

In conclusion, although Nepal does not have its own space program, it has made some efforts to contribute to the peaceful uses of outer space through its membership in the UN COPUOS and collaboration with other countries. The launch of NepaliSat-1 represents a significant milestone for Nepal's space ambitions and highlights the potential for further space-related activities in the future.
Meaningful wishes on this day

-Suyog Dhakal