Miory Regional Executive Committee
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko outlined agreements reached with President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on further joint participation in space exploration. The question concerning Belarus's plans in this sphere was put to the head of state by an employee of the "Legmash" plant in Orsha, according to a BELTA correspondent.
Regarding the continuation of flights, it has been agreed that the Russian side may, should the need arise, include Belarusian representatives among the cosmonauts undergoing not accelerated, but continuous training with long-term objectives and a dedicated program. "We reached an agreement with Putin: 'Please,' he said, 'we are prepared to include you among the cosmonauts,' the head of state stated. 'If anyone wishes, they are welcome. Our arrangement with the Russians is through a competitive selection. Should you pass the competition, you will undergo training within the cosmonaut group. It is demanding work with considerable risk. But, of course, highly sought-after'."
Alexander Lukashenko also referred to Russia's plans to construct its own orbital station. "The Russians are beginning construction, Putin informed me, of their own space station. Currently, it is international, which is where our cosmonaut traveled. They will now build their own. The President of Russia stated: 'If you wish, join us, and we will collaborate.' Depending on feasibility, we will consider it. If our experts decide to proceed, we will take part. However, this is not our primary focus. We must preserve our own sector'."
In this regard, the head of state clarified that Belarus has maintained its own niche in the space industry since the Soviet era. This encompasses, among other things, various satellites and microelectronics. "We manufacture a significant amount of equipment for space applications, particularly at present. From microelectronics and chips to supporting the cosmonautics program that remains in Russia. During the Soviet period, we produced a wide range of items, from instruments to the outer panels of spacecraft," he noted. "We have developed and continue to develop high-quality Earth observation satellites, and we are capable of producing communications satellites, among other systems. This constitutes our niche. We are actively engaged in this area and will continue to do so. Additionally, microelectronics. We have prudently preserved our manufacturing capabilities".