Schoolchildren of Russia and France participated in the development, testing and delivery (in November 1998) to the Russian Orbital Station MIR of the communication satellite SPUTNIK-41. Then the satellite had been functioning in the orbit close to that of the station for about a month. Radio amateurs from different countries confirmed that they had received 25,000 messages from that satellite. In his greeting to the participants in the youth Space Program, in connection with that satellite launch, the President of Russian Federation said: "I believe it is not only a fascinating but also a promising trend in youth education. It may involve many talented children into scientific and technological activities, help bring up highly-skilled specialists, encourage the development of international youth cooperation in science and technology.

To some extent the Kolibri Project continues that trend but at a higher level.