This was reported on Facebook by Dmytro Kisilevsky, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development, Ukrinform reported.

“The Verkhovna Rada accepted the Ukrainian Space Program at the first reading. The current war has emphasized the need for space technology not only for development, but also for the survival of our country. It goes without saying how many lives Ukrainians have saved with timely satellite images,” he said.

He explained that the program was prepared by the government and the Space Agency even before the Russian invasion. Therefore, now, before the second reading, changes are being worked out so that the priorities and implementation conditions of the space program correspond to the challenges facing Ukraine.

“But even outside the military context, it is clear that space technology is what separates the commodity-rich countries of the Third World from modern developed countries. Fortunately, Ukraine still has these technologies. And it is our duty to protect and develop them,” added Kysilevsky.

As reported, Volodymyr Taftai, head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine, and Bill Nelson, head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), met within the framework of the International Astronomical Congress (Paris).

The parties discussed the possibilities of expanding bilateral cooperation, in particular, the participation of Ukraine in the practical implementation of work within the framework of the “Artemis” program and the participation of Ukrainian specialists in the implementation of scientific projects on the International Space Station.