Press releases

MINSK, 10 September (BelTA) – The crew of the International Space Station from the station’s orbit above Earth hailed participants and guests of the 31^st international planetary congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). The video recording was displayed during the congress’ opening ceremony in Minsk on 10 September, BelTA has learned.

“A kid with eyes looking into outer space as a symbol of the congress and the slogan ‘We create space future’ are deeply symbolical and reflect the main goals of the professional community of space pilots: to stimulate the interest of the younger generation in education in the area of space flights, technology, engineering, physics, and mathematics, to inspire young people towards constant self-improvement, including for the sake of space exploration,” the address says.

The ISS crew welcomed the intention to encourage young people to embark upon space exploration in order to create the next generation of scientists, engineers, teachers, and, of course, space explorers.

“We are convinced that the congress will be useful and will allow participants of space flights to share knowledge and experience with the general public. We are convinced the congress will be a stimulus for the development of the Belarusian space industry,” the video address says.

Oleg Artemyev, member of the crew and ISS onboard engineer, underlined his connections with Belarus. “My father was born in the town of Druya, Vitebsk Oblast and now lives with my mother in the city of Vitebsk. My wife was born in the Belarusian city of Baranovichi. Belarusians are most hospitable. They are the kindest nation on Earth,” he said.

The address from the ISS was broadcast in three languages simultaneously – English, Russian, and Belarusian.