In his congratulatory message, Vladimir Putin emphasized that the domestic Space Forces have a long and glorious history of many generations of servicemen, scientists, designers, and civilian specialists. And he recalled that it was on this day that the exploration of near-Earth space began: on October 4, 1957, Soviet scientists, led by Sergei Korolev, launched the first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik-1, into space.
It is important that today the personnel of the Space Forces preserve and develop the traditions of honest, selfless service to the Fatherland, laid down by predecessors, veterans, demonstrate a high level of training, and reliably stand guard over the strategic interests of Russia. I emphasize: among your main, most important tasks are conducting experimental space work, testing, as well as adopting modern high-tech equipment, among which the Angara space rocket complex occupies a priority place. It is he who will play a key role in ensuring Russia's independent, guaranteed access to outer space.
He expressed hope that the Russian Aerospace Forces will continue to "make a unique contribution to increasing the combat power of the Armed Forces, strengthening the defense capability and national security" of the country.
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