Program
PROGRAM | 26.06.2026
HELLO SPACE | Bulgaria Calling 6.0
“The Moon, Mars and Beyond: Horizons Without Limits”
Moderators:
Prof. Dr. Milena Georgieva, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Epigenetics and Longevity Institute of Molecular Biology “R. Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vladimir Bozhilov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Lecturer at the Department of Astronomy, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
Prof. Dr. Milena Georgieva, Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Epigenetics and Longevity Institute of Molecular Biology “R. Tsanev”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vladimir Bozhilov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Physics, Lecturer at the Department of Astronomy, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”
01
Good Morning, Space!
11:00 – 11:10
02
Part 1: The Moon - Our New Home
11:10 – 12:15
02.1
The "Geography" of the Moon
–
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitar Zhelev, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Geography of SU "St. Kliment Ohridski" | Geography teacher at Science-Smart School of Sofia | Co-founder of Geograf BG
02.2
My Space Journey: From the Discovery of New Worlds to the Search for Life Under Alien Light
–
Dr. Svetoslav Ivanov, Science popularizer | Creator of the popular science platform "Cosmos BG"
03
Lunch Break and Demonstrations
12:15 – 13:15
- Time to explore booths and outdoor demonstrations
- Demonstrations by the Bulgarian Army Special Forces Brigade
04
Official Festival Opening
13:15 – 13:55
- Live connection with Stefan Ivanov, Guinness World Record holder
- Greetings from organizers, institutions, and partners
- Presentation of the winners of the drawing competition
- Group photo
05
Space Elevator
13:55 – 14:10
Short presentations by pupils and university students featuring ideas, prototypes, and experiments that showcase their vision for the future of Space and technology.
06
From Bulgaria to NASA and Back: Maxim Behar’s Space Training Journey
14:10 – 14:20
07
Presentation: EnduroSat
14:20 – 14:45
TBC
08
Break and Booth Exploration Time
14:45 – 15:15
09
OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return
15:15 – 15:35
Sandy Freund, Deep Space Exploration Program Manager at Lockheed Martin Space
(online)
10
Part 2: Mars and Human Missions Beyond the Moon
15:35 – 16:05
10.1
TBC
–
Gaiane Hakobian, Space-Tech Economics Researcher | CEO and Co-Founder, DEPI Space
(online)
10.2
TBC
–
Dr. Petya Yanchulova Merica-Jones, Astronome at the Institute of Astronomy and National Astronomical Observatory Sofia
11
Conversation with an Astronaut: Lessons from Orbit
16:05 – 17:05
12
Part 3: Beyond Borders – Missions, Dreams and the New Space Era
17:05 – 17:50
12.1
TBC
–
Teodosii Teodosiev, known as the “Golden Teacher” of Bulgaria - head teacher of physics and astronomy, the "Nikola Obreshkov" Primary and Secondary School - Kazanlak
12.2
TBC
–
Dr. Ivelina Kadiri, Senior Regulatory Compliance Manager, AMPECO | Space Policy Researcher, FOGOS Space
12.3
TBC
–
Luis Guzmán, Co-Director of The Foundry Orbital Art Laboratory (ISS), Project Leader of the Lunar Mission at Moon Gallery Foundation, and PhD Researcher at Northumbria University
(online)
13
Closing Ceremony: Space Connects Us
17:30 – 18:30
- Award ceremony for the winners of the astronaut question competition
- Closing remarks from organizers and partners
- Performance by the vocal group “Mickey Mouse”
- Final group photo
14
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
–
14.1
Interstellar Chess Wars 3.0
–
This year again at the “HELLO SPACE | Bulgaria Calling” festival, chess enthusiasts of all ages will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of strategic battles during the “Interstellar Chess Wars” tournament. Expect a day filled with intense matches, logical challenges, and inspiring encounters, featuring special participation by Bulgaria’s Under-20 Champion Nikola Kanov and under the professional guidance of Master of Sport and chess coach Vasil Kolev.
14.2
Health Corner
–