Opinions & Interviews

Vasilevskaya: Belarus, Russia will continue to explore space together

MOSCOW, 12 April (BelTA) – I am sure Belarus and Russia will continue cooperation in space, cosmonaut, Hero of Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya told the media after a meeting with the leaders of the two countries in the Kremlin, BelTA has learned. 

"This is a very big event for our country [the flight into space]. I am sure that the space industry will continue developing, and we, the two friendly countries, Belarus and Russia, will be working together," the cosmonaut said. 

She also shared her impressions: "I will remember the entire space journey. Every stage of preparation and flight was special. I can't divide my experience into better things or worse. This is the first experience for our sovereign Belarus, and I was part of it. For me, every stage was important."

Marina Vasilevskaya said that in space she felt euphoria and calmness at the same time, which was associated with weightlessness. "All action is very slow in zero gravity. It is fascinating how a human body acts. Of course, it was a fantastic experience to see our beautiful Earth," she said.

When asked whether she had plans to continue her participation in the selection for space flights, the cosmonaut said that she had to undergo rehabilitation and recover her strength first. “Of course, we want to work for the good of our country in terms of space exploration. We will see what the future holds for us,” Marina Vasilevskaya said.

Russian cosmonaut and native of Belarus Oleg Novitsky said that he viewed Belarus and Russia as one whole. “I was born in Belarus, finished school there, and then entered the military pilot school. When I received an opportunity to participate in the space project, I was grateful for the confidence. I, a Belarusian by birth, was entrusted to make a flight together with Marina. It may have been a short flight, but it was very significant for me,” he said.

As for his future career in space, he said: “This is my job. As far as I know, another expedition is planned for 2026-2027. In any case, I remain on service. I will be getting medical screenings, and, if necessary, preparing to perform flights.”

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