Press releases

MINSK, 24 August (BelTA) – The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has drafted the program for the 31^st international congress of the Association of Space Explorers, which is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 9-15 September 2018, BelTA learned from Vladimir Podkopayev, Head of the International Cooperation Office of the administration of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.

According to the source, the draft program includes a session of the Executive Committee of the Association of Space Explorers, a plenary session, panel sessions, and speeches to be delivered by the congress participants before representatives of various Belarusian organizations. There are plans for an exhibition of Belarus’ accomplishments in the area of cosmonautics and aeronautics and an exhibition of cosmos-themed Belarusian paintings. “There will certainly be cultural events. Participants of the congress are cosmonauts. Every one of them is a hero of his or her country. We would like to show them the best of Belarus. Sightseeing tours for the delegates will be arranged. They are expected to see Mir Castle and Nesvizh Castle as well as several Belarusian museums and the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater,” said Vladimir Podkopayev. The congress is expected to gather about 350 delegates from 30 countries.

Belarus’ initiative to host an international congress of the Association of Space Explorers in Minsk in 2018 met approval during the session of the Association’s Executive Committee in Toulouse, France on 25-27 March 2017. The organizing committee was established in April and the action plan to prepare for the congress was approved in May.

International congresses of the Association of Space Explorers are held every year and gather cosmonauts and astronauts, representatives of research institutions and national space agencies. The 30^th congress of the Association of Space Explorers will take place in Toulouse, France in October 2017. Belarus’ representatives are expected to attend the event. A session of the Association’s Executive Committee is scheduled to take place in Minsk in March 2018.

The Association of Space Explorers is an international not-for-profit organization that unites cosmonauts and astronauts from many countries. It was established in 1985 to share the best practices in the field of manned space flights.