site.btaBulgaria's Biggest Space Research Lab Unveiled at Naval Academy in Varna

Bulgaria's biggest space research laboratory was unveiled at the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna on Monday. Opening the laboratory, Innovation and Growth Minister Milena Stoycheva said that this is a step towards presenting Bulgaria as a country capable of creating and developing high technology. "Innovation is a driver of change through which we can present new solutions in the space industry," she added, as quoted by her ministry.  

She underscored that Bulgaria strives to become an associated member of the European Space Agency (ESA) and has been increasing its membership contribution sustainably. This year will see the opening of the tenth ESA tender procedure for Bulgaria. The budget used thus far for the implementation of Bulgarian space projects exceeds EUR 8 million.

Stoycheva put an emphasis on Bulgaria becoming a party to the Artemis Accords, which the Innovation Ministry signed with NASA and will be of key importance for positioning the country on the stage of cosmic space and industry.

"We are working towards innovation in high-tech sectors, and we are convinced that the link between science and businesses should be encouraged in all possible ways. Under the programme for science and business with a budget of BGN 2.14 billion, the Innovation Ministry promotes exactly the commercialisation of research and development activities in products and services of Bulgarian companies," she explained.

Attending the event were Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and representatives of the Naval Academy and the Sofia-based EnduroSat high-tech company for nanocarriers.