MINSK, 16 November (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has sent a letter to cosmonaut of the Russian Federation Oleg Novitsky, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.
In such a crucial moment as preparations for the launch of the spacecraft, Oleg Novitsky remembers his roots, of Belarus, whose flag he will take with him to outer space. The President expressed special appreciation to Oleg Novitsky for that.
“Wherever you are, please remember that the homeland is proud of a good son of the heroic and hardworking Belarusian nation!” the message of greetings reads.
BelTA reported earlier that Oleg Novitsky will head the International Space Station expedition. The launch of the Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft is scheduled for 17 November. The cosmonaut will take Belarus' national flag to the International Space Station.
Oleg Novitsky will travel to the outer space together with the cosmonauts from France and the United States. They are set to conduct more than 50 scientific experiments, and also work with the Russian, Japanese and U.S. cargo spacecraft.
It will be the second space mission for Oleg Novitsky. He commanded the Soyuz TMA-06M spacecraft to the orbiting complex from 23 October 2012 to 16 March 2013.
