NASA Administrator Bill Nelson Speaks to Students at Sofia University

Kaloyan Vassev

Bill Nelson during his lecture in Sofia University (BTA Photo/ Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

21.10.2024 19:18

(BTA)

This is the golden age of space exploration, said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson during a lecture to students in Sofia University on Monday. He added that Bulgaria had good reasons to have a space economy and that this would help the development of professions in the country.

Bill Nelson focused on the benefits of education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and the role of young people as representatives of the "Artemis Generation" - the definition NASA uses for the next generation of space explorers.

In his words, it is the Artemis generation that will be able to travel to Mars and beyond. Bill Nelson noted that all those interested in the sciences related to space exploration should be aware that the foundation of successful exploration is human relationships and the ability of people to work together peacefully.

Brief welcoming remarks were made by Sofia University Deputy Rector Prof. Reneta Bozhankova, President of the Atlantic Club Solomon Passy and US Ambassador to Bulgaria Kenneth Merten, who introduced the lecturer Bill Nelson to the guests in the Aula of the University.

The NASA Administrator talked about situations from his personal travels in space, shared information about the latest technologies being developed, about the expected discoveries in the near future, as well as about the cooperation between astronauts and cosmonauts at the International Space Station. He explained to the young people how and where to find out about what is currently happening on planet Earth and in outer space.

The students and pupils present had the opportunity to ask the guest questions.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson's visit to Romania and Bulgaria started on Thursday, October 17. The purpose of it is to deepen international cooperation and promote the peaceful use of outer space. The two countries have signed the Artemis Accords, which aim to deepen international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu met Bill Nelson on October 17. The two discussed the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, as well as the long-standing cooperation between the two countries on space-related issues, Agerpres reported.

During his trips to both countries, Nelson discussed the importance of international partnerships and cooperation in space, including the transatlantic relationship with NASA.

At the end of last year, Bulgaria became the 32nd country to join the Artemis Accords for strategic international partnership in space technology. The agreement was signed by the then Bulgarian Innovation Minister Milena Stoycheva and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

/MR/