Belarus to sell satellite images to Russia, USA, Canada

Potential buyers of space information obtained by the Belarusian satellite are companies from across the world, including Russia, the United States and Canada, Director of the Geoinformation Systems company Sergei Zolotoi told reporters answering a question of a BelTA correspondent on 9 April.

In his words, an independent examination confirmed the claimed technical specifications of space information, including the quality of space images and a possibility to use them to address various tasks. Belarus has already executed an order to provide space information for Nepal.

Partner agreements to use satellite images have been signed with organizations from Russia and the United States. Agreements with organizations from Canada, Kazakhstan and Ukraine are in the pipeline. Roscosmos expressed interest in purchasing part of the capacity of the Belarusian satellite for government agencies of Russia. Negotiations are underway with European companies. Space information is to be sold to Cuba, Venezuela and countries of Southeast Asia.

Belarus is considering a possibility to look for customers using distribution companies of Kazakhstan and Ukraine. “The biggest challenge is the need to get state approval for price formation for satellite images,” Sergei Zolotoi said.

The Belarusian space system for remote sensing of the Earth can address most of the tasks facing geospatial information users. An order portfolio for space imagery in 2013 has already been formed. The orders came from government bodies, including the Emergencies Ministry, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and the Forestry Ministry.

Intergovernmental cooperation agreements have been signed with Russia and Ukraine. These agreements provide for collaboration in research and peaceful use of space. An intergovernmental cooperation agreement with Kazakhstan is being drafted.