Belarus, Russia, Ukraine consider remote sensing satellite constellation

24.06.2011

Belarus, Russia and Ukraine are looking into an opportunity to develop and mutually use a virtual remote sensing satellite constellation, Chairman of the Presidium of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB) Anatoly Rusetsky told media on 23 June, 2011.

In his words, the use of a virtual remote sensing satellite constellation involves the use of their information resources. “As regards the projects, then it is the use of the Russian fleet, first of all,” he noted. Belarus has signed an agreement with Ukraine, and this cooperation is still in its initial stage. Belarus plans to develop cooperation with Kazakhstan which is busy designing its own satellite system.

Speaking about the joint operation of the satellites, Anatoly Rusetsky emphasized that it would be done not only for information sharing but also for economic sense. “Any exchanges can be either free of charge or provided on a paid basis. But, basically, these are commercial projects that can make money,” he said.

Anatoly Rusetsky noted that today it is worth having an information field and having an opportunity to integrate into it. One satellite can deal with a relatively small amount of issues. That is why we need a satellite constellation. “I think in the future we will be able to use the whole cosmic information field of the countries participating in the project,” he stressed.

On 23-24 June the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus is holding a meeting of representatives of the CIS member states on cooperation in space. The meeting discussed the use of remote sensing of the Earth in the interests of the CIS countries and the prospects for further cooperation of the CIS in space.

The meeting participants will present reports on the processing the data from remote sensing satellites for drawing and updating digital topographic maps, the experience in using the results of the cosmic activity for the benefit of the social and economic development of the regions, a possibility of using a virtual remote sensing satellite constellation of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. A part of the session will be held at the NASB United Institute of Computer Science to consider the major areas of research on Belarus’ national space program and the Union State Cosmos-NT program and demonstrate a space information processing and operation center.

Belarus pays great attention to the development of space vehicles and technologies. Since 1999 Belarus has been involved in the Belarusian-Russian space programs Cosmos-BR, Cosmos-SG and Cosmos-MT. In accordance with Presidential Decree of 2007, Belarus has been working on creating the Belarusian space system of remote sensing. Belarus is preparing for the launch of a remote sensing satellite together with Russia. The National Program for the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space for the period 2008-2012 is currently underway. Belarus cooperates with Ukraine and Russia at the state level. On 12 June 2009 Belarus and Ukraine signed a framework intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in exploring and using outer space for peaceful purposes. The agreement involves the exploration and use of outer space, development and implementation of space technology, joint space programs and activities to develop and use advanced technologies.

On 15 March 2011 Belarus and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in exploring and using outer space for peaceful purposes.

At the previous meeting of representatives of the CIS member states on cooperation in space, which took place on 25 March 2010 in Moscow, it was considered appropriate to reinstate the Interstate Space Council and further amend the agreement on the council as multilateral cooperation in space activities grows stronger. In addition, meeting participants noted the interest in joint projects on remote sensing, use of global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) and use of space communications and space exploration.

Source: BelTA