Miory Regional Executive Committee
The Novkinskaya Secondary School of the Vitebsk District has been named after the Soviet cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Pyotr Klimuk. The celebrations will take place on April 14, and on the eve of Cosmonautics Day we visited the school with a “space” focus.
The idea that this educational institution should assume an unusual role was already present when the building was constructed in the early 1990s based on an unconventional project. A small tower with a dome rises above the three floors. What else could be established here if not a planetarium? In reality, it was opened only in 2012 with the direct involvement of Vladimir Golubev, Associate Professor at the Department of Engineering Physics of P. Masherov State University. Teachers, senior students, and their parents assisted him in creating the mechanical planetarium instrument. It is noteworthy that the instrument was crafted from a standard school globe.
Reference "VV": Pyotr Ilyich Klimuk was born in 1942 in Komarovka village, Brest Region. After graduating from school, he did everything possible in his pursuit of becoming a highly skilled pilot. In 1965, he was admitted to the cosmonaut corps. He completed three space flights as a crew commander. The first: December 18–26, 1973; the second: May 24–July 26, 1975; the third: June 27–July 5, 1978. The total duration of his stay in space amounted to 78 days, 18 hours, 18 minutes, and 42 seconds. Pyotr Klimuk gave his personal consent to the naming of Novkinskaya Secondary School after him.
The school entered a new phase of development in this direction when an area for astronomical observations was built on its premises in 2013. A modern telescope was installed there, and special digital equipment was purchased for the planetarium to demonstrate cartoons and educational films about planets, stars, and space.
With the establishment of the astronomical complex, Novkinskaya Secondary School became a branch of the Department of Engineering Physics of the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Technologies of P. Masherov State University.
The circle of like-minded enthusiasts dedicated to exploring the mysteries of space continued to grow. For instance, Vladimir Golubev invited Russian test cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev to Novka, where his parents reside in Vitebsk. A section of the soft-landing engine from the spacecraft’s descent module, a flight log, and souvenirs brought by the cosmonaut served as the inaugural exhibits for a museum room, which was subsequently designated for development into a museum of space history.
Its official opening ceremony was held in 2019, with Oleg Artemyev attending as a guest of honor. The artifacts he donated, along with several photographs taken aboard the International Space Station that were incorporated into the “Road to the Stars” exhibition, continue to serve as the pride of the museum.
Typically, pupils at Novka School are introduced to the structure of the Solar System and other celestial bodies as early as first grade, during their initial visit to the enigmatic museum and the planetarium. From that point on, they develop a lasting fascination with the mysteries of space.
For several years, the “Astreya” interest group for young astronomy enthusiasts operated under the guidance of Elena Yanovskaya, a dedicated extracurricular educator (currently Deputy Director) of the Vitebsk District Center for Children and Youth.
Three years ago, the school established the Gagarin Detachment, which now bears the name of Hero of the Russian Federation Pilot-Cosmonaut O. Artemyev. Membership in this detachment is considered a significant honor and privilege. By the time students reach fifth grade and apply for admission, they must demonstrate themselves as diligent, disciplined pupils, reliable peers, and active participants in community-oriented activities. The “Gagarin-Artemyev Detachment” effectively serves as the face of the school. Students are entrusted with welcoming numerous visitors, serving as tour guides, and representing the educational institution at various external events and forums.
Novka Secondary School regularly hosts visitors, who are offered guided tours of its astronomical and space complex. All are consistently impressed by the exceptional facilities available to a rural school. Consider, for instance, how engaging thematic class meetings, astronomy lessons, and other sessions dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the cosmos are conducted here.
January 2025 was marked by a notable event: the visit of the first female cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus, Hero of Belarus Marina Vaselevskaya. She visited the museum and planetarium, planted a friendship tree in the school's winter garden, and met with the staff. In her capacity as Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Public Association "Belarusian Peace Fund", Marina Vaselevskaya presented the Order "Young Peacemaker" to Zakhar Vargan, an 11th-grade student and activist of the military-patriotic club "Volat".
– The members of our club not only study history but also engage in practical work – from maintaining military graves and memorial sites to assisting veterans, – said Zakhar. – I am glad to study at a "cosmic" school that provides solid knowledge and broadens horizons. Upon graduation, I plan to enroll in the Belarusian State Technological University (BSTU) majoring in "Forestry". I want to plant forests. Ones that are visible from space.