site.btaAmCham Bulgaria Hosts Multi-Sector Discussion with U.S. Space Force Representatives on Capabilities and Potential of Bulgarian Industry

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham) hosted a space economy development round table, “Bulgaria’s Leap to Space: Capabilities and Opportunities”, on September 12. It was a multi-sector discussion with representatives of the U.S. Space Force - the newest branch of the U.S. armed forces - looking at the existing capabilities and future potential of the Bulgarian industry, AmCham said. The main goal of the event was to present the potential to engage with the U.S. Space Force in future joint commercial opportunities regionally and globally.

The forum sought to introduce Bulgaria’s private sector and academia to the U.S. Space Force, as well as to create opportunities to boost commercial, academic, and business cooperation among stakeholders. The event was organized in partnership with EnduroSat, a member of the Chamber. Amon the participants were Merrick Garb, Commercial, Civil and Interagency Partnerships Branch Chief, Global Partnerships Division, Headquarters U.S. Space Force, and Vernon E. “Trey” Grier III, Major, USSF, Division Chief, S5I – International Engagements, U.S. Space Force in Europe and Africa.

“This event is part of a larger initiative and logical continuation of our years-long efforts to engage with strategic partners – government and businesses - from the United States that can bring new ideas, technologies, and funds to boost sectors of the Bulgarian economy. Space has become an important domain – it is the most rapidly developing and value-added industry. For years, it has created significant commercial applications and partnerships. Bulgaria’s signing of the Artemis Accords in 2023 is such an example. AmCham Bulgaria aims to position Bulgarian businesses and ideas on the global Space map, joining our success stories in other fields that already inspire others,” said AmCham Bulgaria CEO Ivan Mihaylov as quoted by AmCham.

Raycho Raychev, CEO and Founder of EnduroSat, said in his opening remarks, “Bulgaria is ready to make its own great leap into Space. Our efforts already position our company and our country on the global Space industry map. Now we dream for more – a creation of a larger, stronger, and reliable Space business community. The current capabilities should be backed up by private and public funds to sustain the current development and to create opportunities for growth, which is imminent. Space becomes the new field of cooperation among nations, governments, and businesses – thus Bulgaria should focus efforts, sustain its intellectual potential, and gain advantages that will benefit the whole country.”

Merrick Garb presented the U.S. Space Force Commercial Space Strategy, outlining its scope, goals, and opportunities for commercial cooperation with allies, international partners, and industry partners. “The U.S. Space Force will leverage the commercial sector’s innovative capabilities, scalable production, and rapid technology refresh rates to enhance the resilience of national security space architectures, strengthen deterrence, and support Combatant Commander objectives. We must be able to integrate, plan, and operate with NATO allies in the space domain today, and there is no better means of doing so than with commercial space technology.”

Major Grier explained the requirements to supply products and services to the Space Force. In his words, Bulgaria "has clearly distinguished itself as a leader in the commercial space enterprise". "The innovation and expertise we saw during our visit was incredible, and we are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with companies here to meet U.S. Space Force requirements going forward."

The forum attracted 30 participants - representatives of AmCham members, stakeholders, and academia, who engaged in a discussion about their capabilities and the potential cooperation in developing relationships between Bulgaria and the U.S. Space Force, said AmCham.