Whether out at sea, on land or in the air, satellite communications and navigation systems have evolved so far that we now live in a globally connected world. This crucial and often life-saving technology is being celebrated during this year’s World Space Week 4-10 October 2014 under the theme of ‘Space: Guiding Your Way’.
Inmarsat, a sponsor of World Space Week, is helping to extend the global awareness of the international celebration of science and technology, which in 2013 saw over 1,400 events in 80 countries. The main objective 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.
As official global satellite communications partner to the Volvo Ocean Race, 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. The information will be designed to explain how Inmarsat’s award-winning global satellite network will support each of the seven teams with connectivity for the entire race, as they guide 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.”
“As Inmarsat plays such a significant role in the satellite industry we are thrilled to have their support for World Space Week,” said Remco Timmerman, Executive Director of 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 to the 11 Race Villages of the Volvo Ocean Race, 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.
For more information about Inmarsat’s involvement in World Space Week 2014 and the Volvo Ocean Race, please visit www.inmarsat.com and www.volvooceanrace.com.
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). The Inmarsat press release newsfeed and corporate updates are on Twitter @InmarsatGlobal
Jonathan Sinnatt
Head of Corporate Communications
Inmarsat
+44 (0)20 7728 1935
[email protected]
Katie Potts
PR Manager
Inmarsat
+44 (0)20 7728 1492
[email protected]
World Space Week is an international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.
World Space Week is celebrated by space education and outreach events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, planetaria, museums, and astronomy clubs around the world in a common timeframe. These synchronized space events attract greater public and media attention.
World Space Week Association proudly supports the UN in the global coordination of World Space Week, each October 4–10. The World Space Week Association is a volunteer organization, led by a dedicated team of officers and managers, who facilitate and coordinate a large global network of volunteers. The Association also holds a Permanent Observer position in the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, where the results of World Space Week are reported back every year.
