posted 09-10-2018 07:35 AM               

ASE Planetary Congress is held annually in different countries since 1985. Congress participants – cosmonauts and astronauts – meet to review and discuss developments in their respective space programs, to evaluate existing ASE programs and plan future ASE activities.

In 2018 the Planetary Congress will be held in Belarus for the first time during 9-15 September. The program of the Congress includes technical sessions, where space explorers share their experience and tell about space exploration achievements, as well as cultural events, during which participants will get acquainted with the cultural and historical heritage of the country. On Community Day cosmonauts, astronauts and taikonauts will meet the younger generation and the general public, hold lectures and presentations on the space research.

Main Congress objectives are stimulating interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), attracting attention to space exploration and promoting international cooperation.

Gathering at the Minsk Airport with Dr. Kate Rubins and Rusty Schweickart for the 31st annual ASE Congress. Next year in Houston!

posted 09-10-2018 07:51 AM               

We're pleased to unveil our ASE 31 commemorative patches...

The Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus will issue a stamp in celebration of the Planetary Congress on Sept. 13, 2018.

A special cancellation on FDC will be carried out at the post office No.1 of Minsk on the stamp issuing day. A maximum card will be issued too.

posted 09-12-2018 07:21 AM               

Day One: President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko stated at the Opening Ceremony that only together and through mutual trust can we advance in our mission of space exploration. ASE President Dr. Bonnie Dunbar emphasized ASE’s goals to educate, exchange, and explore.

We also commemorated the lives of those we’ve lost this year, and received a video from ISS. Belarusian cosmonaut and two-time Hero of the Soviet Union Pyotr Klimuk presented a painting by ASE founder Alexei Leonov as a gift to the President. Meanwhile, our members’ companions received an exclusive tour of the Church of All Saints.

posted 09-12-2018 07:21 AM               

Day Two: ASE members paid their respects at the Victory Monument in Minsk, which commemorates the Soviet Army soldiers and Belarusian partisans who perished in World War II.

The 2nd and 3rd Technical Sessions were co-chaired by Gerhard Thiele and Pavel Vinogradov. Presentations were given by Yang Liwei, Sergei Krikalev, and Kate Rubins, as well as a representative from ESA. Meanwhile, our members' companions received exclusive tours of Mir Castle & Kommunarka Confectionary Factory.