Bulgarian space researchers highlighted deepening ties with China during an Open Day event at Sofia's Space Research and Technology Institute this week, revealing joint plans for lunar base development and advanced aerospace projects.
SRTI-BAS Director Georgi Jelev noted the institute's expanding network of international partnerships, stating: 'While maintaining cooperation with ESA and NASA, our collaboration with Chinese scientific organizations has reached new strategic dimensions.' The remarks came during April 8th celebrations of the International Day of Human Space Flight.
Scientific Secretary Georgi Sotirov detailed the partnership's evolution since the 2013 memorandum signed with a Ningbo-based research institute. 'Our current work on urban unmanned aerial vehicle applications directly complements China's lunar exploration program,' Sotirov explained. A scale model of China's operational space station now anchors the institute's public exhibition space.
The Bulgaria-China cooperation framework includes joint projects with the China National Space Administration and research coordination with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Both nations aim to finalize technical specifications for lunar infrastructure components by late 2026.
