Last tests at Baikonur

Pilot-cosmonaut and twice Hero of the Soviet Union Piotr Klimuk is an adviser on sci-tech issues at the Belarusian Embassy to Russia. He tells us that the creation of a Belarusian space complex is in its final stage, joining the top ten worldwide for its tactical-technical and technological features. The satellite’s optical-electronic components have been made at Belarusian enterprises. “For me, creating and launching a distant satellite for remote Earth sensing is of major importance,” says Mr. Klimuk. The satellite is vital for monitoring farming, land use, and technogenic and emergency situations. In the near future, Belarusian and Russian satellites are to be sent to Baikonur for final testing; the joint launch shall then follow.