Oleg Novitsky

Congratulating his fellow pilots on the best professional holiday, Oleg Novitsky noted: "Aviation gave rise to flights into outer space. It is no secret. The first cosmonauts were recruited from the ranks of Air Force pilots. Maybe this is why my destiny unfolded this way: I was lucky to be in the right spot at the right time… Now after a flight, during which I tried to accomplish as many missions as possible, I am here."

Oleg Novitsky reminded the guests about the forthcoming international congress of the Association of Space Explorers, which Belarus will welcome in September 2018. "I am pleased because not every country manages to welcome such a large number of cosmonauts. Belarus has something to show," he said.

During the festivities Oleg Novitsky performed another important mission. He awarded a prize of the cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalyonok, who, unfortunately, had been unable to come in person, to Nikita Rezanovich, the best cadet of the Military Academy of Belarus.