An archive photo
MINSK, 18 January (BelTA) – The creation of a Belarusian-Russian satellite for the remote sensing of Earth must produce maximum economic benefits. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement at a meeting with top officials of the Council of Ministers, BelTA has learned.
The creation of a Belarusian-Russian satellite for the remote sensing of Earth was one of the important items on the agenda of the conference.
Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked that he had already received a draft of the relevant presidential decree for consideration and the government had been instructed to work out financing in more detail. “We cannot afford unnecessary costs. The creation of this satellite must produce maximum economic benefits,” the head of state stressed. He pointed out that the creation of the spacecraft is not particularly complicated. Figuratively speaking, it can be accomplished by taking a Russian platform and integrating Belarusian mission equipment with it. “It is not a problem. The problem is whether we need it or not, what the economic benefits will be, and who will pay for it,” the Belarusian leader explained.
“It is necessary to consider the project not only from the point of view of national security but also as a promising avenue of bilateral scientific cooperation, which will allow developing competences of the Belarusian side and the Russian one. And producing even more benefits for us and our partners in the future,” he added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko also wondered about the state of affairs concerning the utilization of the first Belarusian satellite for the remote sensing of Earth (its lifespan has been extended) and the Belarusian communications satellite. The president wondered about the economic effectiveness of both satellites and whether these projects had recouped the investments.
