The Geoinformation Systems initiative of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has outlined a joint plan with Russia to launch an Earth remote sensing satellite in 2028. In a recent interview carried by STV, Sergei Zolotoy, who leads the initiative, outlined the roadmap for this international project and emphasized that the dates have been set but there is a strong push to accelerate the schedule. The key priority is speed, with a focus on turning targets into tangible milestones as quickly as possible, according to summarized remarks from the interview and reported by TASS.
Zolotoy explained that the timing of the satellite launch hinges on the ability to secure necessary components at a reasonable pace. He noted that the majority of the required parts are sourced domestically, with about 90 percent of the components produced locally within Belarus. This emphasis on local manufacturing reflects a strategic goal to bolster domestic capabilities while maintaining international cooperation with Russia for the mission’s success.
Beyond procurement, the working design phase of the satellite is actively progressing. Teams are assembling technical specifications, validating system architectures, and refining mission parameters to ensure reliability and compatibility with the partner nation’s space infrastructure. This phase is critical for aligning Belarusian capabilities with the broader requirements of a successful Earth observation mission shared with Russia.
In other developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a plan in December to include a Belarusian cosmonaut on a mission to the International Space Station in 2023. The decision underscores a continuing spirit of cooperation between the two countries in space exploration and research, highlighting Belarus as a contributing partner in multinational crewed operations aboard the ISS.
Subsequently, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Vladimir Gusakov, indicated a preference that the first Belarusian cosmonaut to participate in such programs should be a woman. The statement reflects an emphasis on diversifying participation in spaceflight and promoting female representation in high-visibility scientific roles on the international stage.