Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

The prototype of the first Bulgarian satellite in orbit around the Earth will soon be exhibited in Stara Zagora

Photo: infoz.bg

The first Bulgarian satellite has been orbiting the Earth for nearly 41 years. Intercosmos Bulgaria-1300 was once the latest model of space technology, experts say. They note that all spacecraft are created in triplicate. The prototype of the Bulgarian satellite is currently being reconstructed in Stara Zagora, with some of its elements replaced with transparent panels so that visitors can see its structure.

Once restored, the model will be on display for viewing. At the centre of the whole installation will be an image of part of planet Earth that will glow in real colours, conservationists say.

The first Bulgarian man-made satellite was launched into orbit on August 7, 1981. The occasion was the 1300th anniversary of the establishment of the Bulgarian state.

The Intercosmos spacecraft explored the interaction between the Sun and the Earth for two years, after which the data transmission stopped. In the spring of 2016, however, it became clear that the satellite was active. And it is expected to keep flying for another 520 years.

Bulgaria is the sixth country in the world to send an astronaut into outer space and the third to create space food.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Kurban Bayrami

One of the most revered holidays for Muslims, Kurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha), has begun. It is associated with sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion. According to Sezer Sadulov from the Regional Mufti’s Office in Kardzhali, Kurban Bayram strengthens..

published on 6/6/25 9:38 AM

Hristo Botev's personal notebook testifies to the last year of his life

On June 2, we bow to Hristo Botev - a zealous supporter of the freedom of Bulgaria, a poet and a publicist. At exactly 12:00, a siren's howl and a minute of silence remind us of the feat of the revolutionary and of all those who..

published on 6/2/25 8:00 AM
Patriarch Daniil

Archaeologists send petition to Patriarch in support of fire dancing

The Bulgarian Archaeological Society 'Ivan Venedikov' issued a statement addressed to Patriarch Daniil, in response to his recent public call to end the centuries-old tradition of fire dancing, known as Nestinarstvo. "Mr. Patriarch, do not touch..

published on 5/30/25 9:17 PM