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

Monument to Pavel Bobekov in the centre of Panagyurishte

Pavel Bobekov and the grammar of the April Uprising

Bulgaria celebrates 149 years since the April Uprising – an event that led to the liberation of Bulgaria after almost five centuries of Ottoman rule. Today, nearly a century and a half later, we must not forget that every participant in the April..

published on 5/1/25 6:25 AM

Religious education in schools is not indoctrination, says Patriarch Daniil

The introduction of the subject "Virtues and Religions" in schools is not aimed at indoctrinating children, but at informing and educating them. Faith is something personal, Patriarch Daniil said in an interview for public service TV BNT. “Faith is..

published on 4/30/25 10:11 AM

In Bright Week we glorify the Holy Apostles and the Virgin Mary

On the second day after Easter begins Bright Week. It is so called because of the light that Christ's Resurrection brings to the world.  According to Orthodox tradition, it is a time when the Holy Apostles and the Virgin Mary are glorified. Bright Week..

published on 4/21/25 10:36 AM