MINSK, 23 March (BelTA) – The cosmonaut Oleg Novitsky told BelTA about Belarus' preparations for hosting the 31st Planetary Congress of the Association of Space Explorers (ASE). The congress is supposed to take place in Minsk in September.
Cosmonauts from Russia, the USA, China, Germany, and France (members of the ASE Executive Committee) are busy discussing preparations for the congress in a meeting scheduled to take place in Minsk on 22-26 March. “They are visiting the places the program of the congress covers. They are interested in all the nuances: the welcoming of the delegates, transfer, meals, visa formalities, support personnel, venues for panel sessions and speeches. So far everyone is just thrilled. They like the accommodation and the places on the congress' program,” said Oleg Novitsky.
The cosmonaut noted he would try to participate in the congress if his preflight training schedule permits it. “The medical examination is over. I am fit to prepare for the third flight. I have not been appointed part of the crew yet but I expect I will be. The first foreign trips for training purposes are scheduled for May,” he added.
Oleg Novitsky grew up in Cherven, Minsk Oblast. “I try to visit Belarus as often as possible. I came here last week because my mother celebrated her birthday. I am here again this week to participate in the session of the ASE Executive Committee,” he noted.
The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) is an international non-for-profit organization, which unites cosmonauts and astronauts from many countries. It was established in 1985 with a view to sharing the best practices in the area of manned space flights. Every year the ASE Planetary Congress gathers cosmonauts and representatives of research institutions and national space agencies. The 31st ASE Planetary Congress is scheduled to take place in Minsk on 9-15 September. About 350 people, including 150 cosmonauts, have been invited to participate in the event. The program of the congress includes a plenary session, panel sessions, and an exhibition of space technologies. The delegates are expected to make speeches before representatives of various organizations and higher education institutions of Belarus. They will also get familiar with the country's cultural and historical legacy.
