Bulgaria will continue to strengthen and build on its traditions in cosmonautics and space research as a factor for stimulating social development and science, stated the head of state Rumen Radev today at a meeting in the presidential institution with the astronauts of the “Intercosmos” program and representatives of their families, reported by the press center of the presidency.
Among them was the first Bulgarian cosmonaut Georgi Ivanov. The occasion for the meeting is three cosmic anniversaries. In 2024, 45 years have passed since Georgi Ivanov’s flight, 55 years since the establishment of the Institute for Space Research, and the 20th International Scientific Conference “Space-Ecology-Security” will be held in Sofia. The wife of the head of state was also present at the meeting Desislava Radeva.
During the meeting, the head of state emphasized the great importance of space exploration for the development of humanity, as the modern way of life is completely connected with the results of this scientific activity. Rumen Radev also highlighted the contribution of our country in this field, as many space missions include instruments or equipment created with the support of Bulgarian scientists. In this connection, the head of state also expressed the ambitions of our country to join the European Space Agency, along with a number of other European countries.
Rumen Radev also pointed out the role of the flights of the Bulgarian cosmonauts Georgi Ivanov and Alexander Alexandrov in increasing the public interest in space in our country, the development of science and education. Our country is the third in the world to start producing space food. There was a general assessment that regardless of the tension in the relations between the leading countries in space research, the exploration of space is unthinkable without international cooperation and it gives hope for the restoration and strengthening of peace. The increase in the interest of young people around the world in space research in recent years was also highlighted.
The cosmonauts Lt. Gen. took part in the meeting. Georgi Ivanov, Col. Krasimir Stoyanov (double cosmonaut of Alexander Alexandrov), Brig. Gen. Bertalan Farkas (Hungary), Col. Vladimir Remek (Czech Republic), Major General Dumitru Prunariu (Romania), Air Force Commander Major General Dimitar Petrov and Director of the Institute for Space Research and Technology Prof. Dr. Georgi Zelev.
Georgi Ivanov presented the head of state with a photograph of the Earth taken during his historic flight in 1979. In the presence of the head of state, Georgi Ivanov was awarded the international cosmonaut badge by Dumitru Prunariu.