ZVYOZDNY GORODOK, 15 May (BelTA) - The first cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya spoke about fame and future plans as she talked to the media in Zvyozdny Gorodok [Star City], BelTA has learned.
"I feel absolutely calm," Marina Vasilevskaya said when asked how she is coping with the burden of fame. “I am pleased with everything that has happened. I think that people are sincerely happy for us. And this brings even more energy, more desire to share and talk about the vastness of space. I am very happy."
Journalists also asked Marina Vasilevskaya of her future plans. She replied that she was going to engage primarily in social activities. "I really want to talk to more people, to share my experience with them. I think that if we inspire our youth, the new generation to aspire to new space and scientific heights, then it will be great," the first cosmonaut of sovereign Belarus said.
The crew of Visiting Expedition 21 to the International Space Station were honored in Zvyozdny Gorodok on 15 May. Hero of Belarus Marina Vasilevskaya and Hero of Russia Oleg Novitsky laid wreaths at the monument to the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. Then the cosmonauts attended a ceremony in the House of Cosmonauts and took part in an autograph session.