Cuba and Russia Strengthen Strategic Alliance with Joint Astronomy Projects
Cuba and Russia have been enhancing their strategic alliance through various joint projects, with an increasing focus on astronomy. This collaboration involves Cuban specialists working in conjunction with Russian observatories to track objects such as meteors, asteroids, and space debris, among other initiatives.
The partnership in the field of astronomy began in 2016, with connections established between the Russian Academy of Sciences and Cuban institutions such as the Shternberg State Astronomical Institute in Moscow, the Institute of Applied Astronomy in Saint Petersburg, and the Special Astrophysical Observatory. Omar Pons Rodríguez, Director of Technical Development at the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy, highlighted the ongoing optimization and operation of the Cuban-Russian Observatory as one of the key aspects of this collaboration.
One of the primary objectives of the joint efforts is the construction of a localized space geodesy station, which will be the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The station will be equipped with a 13-meter diameter radio antenna for very long interferometry, a laser satellite tracking system, and a satellite positioning system receiver.
In 2022, the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy inaugurated an observatory, which is part of the broader plan to establish the National Astronomical Observatory in Valle de Picadura, Mayabeque. This project includes the installation of two optical telescopes as well as the renewal of the Solar Radio Astronomical Station of Havana, which monitors the sun’s activity and its impact on Earth.
Francisco González Veitía, a specialist at the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy, emphasized the significance of the investigations conducted at the Cuban-Russian Observatory. These joint studies encompass topics such as spotted variable stars and explorations related to near-Earth asteroids. Veitía also highlighted the historical cooperation between Cuba and the Soviet Union in astronomy dating back to the 1960s, especially in radio astronomy.
The financial support from Russia has been crucial for the execution of these projects and the acquisition of expensive systems. Cuba has been grappling with a severe economic crisis, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and United States sanctions.
The bilateral relationship between Cuba and Russia has seen significant growth in recent years, with Russia ranking among Cuba’s top ten trading partners. Both governments regard their partnership as “strategic.” The Russian ambassador in Havana, Víctor Koronelli, revealed that there are ongoing discussions regarding the supply of new cars, renovation of the railway network, and modernization of Cuba’s largest oil refinery. Russian companies are also looking to provide equipment for metallurgical programs and thermal power plants.
Russian car manufacturers are keen on delivering their vehicles to Cuba, and negotiations for such supplies are underway. The reconstruction of a section of the Cuban railways and the supply of rolling stock are being discussed with Russian Railways. Additionally, Russia is exploring opportunities to participate in the reconstruction of sugarcane plantations and processing plants in Cuba through two agricultural companies.
The strengthening partnership between Cuba and Russia is not limited to the field of astronomy. As both countries continue to deepen their collaboration in various sectors, these joint initiatives are expected to contribute to the overall development and progress of both nations.
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