Belarus president proposes creation of domestic NASA

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has proposed exploring the possibility of establishing a national space agency akin to NASA.

Speaking at a meeting with the Cabinet of Ministers, Lukashenko reminded that the National Academy of Sciences currently oversees the country’s space activities, Caliber.Az reports, citing Belarusian media.

“There is already a system in place. The question is simple: What are the shortcomings or limitations of the existing management structure? Is it fully capable of participating in international programmes? And what benefits would the creation of a ‘Belarusian NASA’ bring? Would the effects justify the costs of setting up and maintaining a new organisation? This is a matter for discussion,” the president said.

Lukashenko highlighted that Belarus developed a significant space sector during the Soviet era, particularly in defence, science, communications, and other areas. Since independence, the country has made notable progress in these fields, despite being subject to sanctions.

The president also revealed ongoing work on a Russian-Belarusian high-resolution Earth observation satellite.

“Most of the specialised equipment is being produced by our ‘Peleng’ enterprise. Three space programmes are currently in development within the framework of the Union State,” Lukashenko added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev