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

115 years since the first airplane flight in Bulgaria

On November 15, 1910, Russian pilot Boris Maslenikov carried out the first airplane flight in Bulgaria. He took off in a Farman-type aircraft from an improvised airfield near Sofia. In the days that followed, several more demonstration flights were..

published on 11/15/25 6:45 AM

Attending the Plenary: The dedication and patriotism of the first MPs

On 16 April 1879, the deputies of the Constituent Assembly debated, approved and signed Bulgaria’s first constitution, the Tarnovo Constitution. This document established the legal basis for the establishment of the new Bulgarian state following the..

published on 11/10/25 5:56 PM

Saint Michael the Archangel who leads the army of angels against the forces of darkness

8 November is celebrated as the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. According to church legend, Archangel Michael commands the whole army of angels in the fight against the forces of darkness, and during the second coming of the Son of God, he will..

published on 11/8/25 9:00 AM