Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko meets with Belarusian cosmonaut candidates

ZVEZDNY GORODOK, 24 December (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with six Belarusian candidates for a manned space flight as he visited the Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Center in Russia on 24 December, BelTA has learned.

Greetings the Belarusian cosmonaut candidates, Aleksandr Lukashenko repeated who he said to one of them after her centrifuge training session: “I have already said today that I have given you a lot of work to do. Nevertheless, you will have something to remember.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko was told that more than 3,000 people were interviewed. Six best candidates remain at this stage. They are currently undergoing full-time medical examination at the Research and Test Cosmonaut Center. More than half of the planned examinations have been carried out. The candidates have high morale and good physical condition.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said what he agreed upon with Yury Borisov, Director General of Roscosmos State Space Corporation. “In his words, if they are all healthy, they will not get lost here. They will be used in the Russian-Belarusian segment of space flights. Don't worry. Who will not fly into space this time, will go next time. There will be enough work for everyone,” said the head of state.

“Thank you very much. I am sure we will meet with you more. I wish you every success. You will not regret joining this team,” the president added.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that he asked cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky, a native of Belarus, for assistance in training the candidates: “I told him: Oleg, watch the girls. Help them to get ready. He says he is watching.”

The Belarusian representatives expressed gratitude for support and opportunity to be among the candidates for a space flight. They also confirmed their readiness to represent Belarus with honor and dignity on the ISS.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks