Belarusian cosmonaut candidates named

The names of the Belarusian candidates for a manned space flight have been revealed. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko met with the Belarusian cosmonaut candidates at the Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Center in Russia on 24 December, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian candidates for a manned space flight are: Belavia stewardesses Marina Vasilevskaya and Viktoriya Fidrus, a forensic expert from Brest Oblast Darya Mikhnyuk, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Baranovichi Olga Gerasimova, a pediatric surgeon from the National Center for Pediatric Surgery Anastasiya Lenkova, and a junior research scientist from the Institute of Physical Organic Chemistry of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus Olga Mastitskaya.Aleksandr Lukashenko was told that more than 3,000 people were interviewed. Six best candidates remain at this stage. They are currently undergoing full-time medical examination at the Research and Test Cosmonaut Center. More than half of the planned examinations have been carried out. The candidates have high morale and good physical condition.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said what he agreed upon with Yury Borisov, Director General of Roscosmos State Space Corporation. “In his words, if they are all healthy, they will not get lost here. They will be used in the Russian-Belarusian segment of space flights. Don't worry. Who will not fly into space this time will do it next time. There will be enough work for everyone,” said the head of state.

“Thank you very much. I am sure we will meet with you more. I wish you every success. You will not regret joining this team,” the president added.

The Belarusian representatives expressed gratitude for support and opportunity to be among the candidates for a space flight. They also confirmed their readiness to represent Belarus well on the ISS.