New Belarusian Earth sensing satellite to be ready by late 2023

A new satellite will be ready by the end of the next year, BelTA learned from Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Vladimir Gusakov.

Vladimir Gusakov said: “We are talking about the creation of a cutting-edge satellite with the resolution of 0.35m. It is one of the world’s best satellites and a significant scientific accomplishment. The rough design has been worked out, reconciled, and approved, agreements have been signed. During the visit of the head of state to the Russian Federation we also reconciled nuances and the cost, components, and deadlines. Components and software will be of Belarusian make. The satellite is supposed to be fully ready by the end of the next year. Enterprises have now been instructed to prepare picture-taking instruments and the component base.”

Vladimir Gusakov noted that Roscosmos has a very strict schedule for satellite launches, including manned launches. “It is difficult to get slotted into the schedule but we’ve been told it will not be a problem. The Belarusian satellite will be launched together with a Russian one,” the official said. “As for the cosmonaut’s training, we’ve started selecting and preparing candidates. We’d like to have a researcher cosmonaut, who will test some devices and realize some programs in outer space.”