MINSK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Lukashenko on Thursday awarded female astronaut Marina Vasilyevskaya the title of "Hero of Belarus," BelTA news agency reported.

Vasilyevskaya, as the first Belarusian astronaut since the country's independence, flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on March 23 aboard the Russian "Soyuz MS-25" spacecraft and returned successfully on April 6.

The flight of Vasilevskaya to the ISS heralded a new milestone in Belarus' participation in space programs, Lukashenko said at the ceremony.

The title of "Hero of Belarus" is the highest honor in Belarus, which is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the country and society, and meritorious services in the name of national freedom, independence and prosperity, according to the report. Enditem

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