site.btaBulgaria to Sign European Space Agency's Zero Debris Charter

The Council of Ministers adopted a resolution on Bulgaria's accession to the Zero Debris Charter in the framework of the country's cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Cabinet press service reported on Wednesday.

The increasing globalization and diversification of space activities and the substantial increase in the number of space satellites launched into orbit pose serious threats to safety and sustainability, increasing the risk of collision or accumulation of space debris. This threatens the safety of space activities and the EU's independent access to space.

The Charter is a non-binding vision for mitigating and eliminating space debris by 2030 that has already been endorsed by nearly 100 major space sector actors in Europe and beyond, signalling strong European leadership for a zero space debris future.

By signing the document, Bulgaria will support the European initiative for a safe and sustainable space environment, which sends a good message to the emerging space industry. Joining the initiative will help the development of Bulgaria's space industry and will contribute to enhancing its international image in the field of space technology.

Bulgaria is increasing its annual contributions to the ESA, with the latest reaching BGN 2 million, Georgi Angelov, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth, said on Tuesday. He said that when the contribution reaches BGN 5 million, Bulgaria will move to the next tier, associate member in the agency. This is the third of four levels, the last of which is full membership, Angelov said.