Lukashenko signed decree on status of Belarusian cosmonaut
Head of State Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 100 On Belarusian Cosmonaut’s Status on March 19th. As reported by the Belarusian leader’s press service, the document – which enshrines the rights and duties of a cosmonaut of the Republic of Belarus – was adopted in order to determine the legal status of cosmonauts and persons equated to them, taking into account the implementation of the first space flight project in Belarus’ sovereign history.
In line with the decree, the status of cosmonaut is assigned to a Belarusian citizen who has completed a space flight, as well as to their understudy.
In order to recognise the merits of a cosmonaut to the Motherland, the document envisages a number of benefits and preferences, including retaining the position, medical care at the Republican Clinical Medical Centre, retiring pension, and state support in housing construction.
At the same time, it is determined that a cosmonaut should correspond to their high rank, be civic-minded, take an active part in the country’s socio-political life, and adequately represent Belarus in the international arena.
The implementation of the decree will contribute to consolidating the positive image of Belarus as a high-tech state, promoting the country's knowledge and competencies in the field of peaceful space exploration.
