# BulgariaSat-1

> geostationary communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18464800](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18464800)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BulgariaSat-1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bulgariasat-1

## Summary
BulgariaSat-1 is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Bulgaria Sat. Launched in 2017, it provides telecommunications services from its orbital position. The satellite was built by Lanteris Space Systems and launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 23, 2017, at 19:10 UTC from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.  
- **Mass**: 3,669 kg (launch weight).  
- **Operator**: Bulgaria Sat, a Bulgarian telecommunications company.  
- **Manufacturer**: Lanteris Space Systems, using the Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus.  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust (core number B1029, second flight).  
- **Power System**: Equipped with 2 solar arrays and an R-4D thruster.  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-038A.  
- **NORAD ID**: 42801.  

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of BulgariaSat-1?  
A: BulgariaSat-1 is a communications satellite designed to provide telecommunications services, including TV broadcasting and internet connectivity, primarily for Bulgaria and the Balkan region.  

### Q: Who built BulgariaSat-1?  
A: The satellite was manufactured by Lanteris Space Systems, using their Lanteris 1300 spacecraft bus platform.  

### Q: How was BulgariaSat-1 launched?  
A: It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A on June 23, 2017.  

## Why It Matters  
BulgariaSat-1 is significant as Bulgaria's first privately funded geostationary communications satellite, marking a milestone in the country's space and telecommunications capabilities. It enhances regional connectivity, providing reliable TV broadcasting and broadband services to Bulgaria and neighboring areas. The satellite's successful deployment also demonstrated SpaceX's reusability capabilities, as it was launched on a previously flown Falcon 9 booster. By reducing reliance on foreign satellite operators, BulgariaSat-1 supports national sovereignty in communications infrastructure.  

## Notable For  
- **First Bulgarian Geostationary Satellite**: The first privately funded Bulgarian satellite in geostationary orbit.  
- **Reusable Rocket Launch**: Launched on a reused SpaceX Falcon 9 booster (B1029, second flight).  
- **Regional Impact**: Provides dedicated telecommunications coverage for Bulgaria and the Balkans.  

## Body  
### Technical Specifications  
- **Mass**: 3,669 kg at launch.  
- **Power System**: Uses 2 solar arrays and an R-4D thruster for propulsion.  
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Built on the Lanteris 1300 platform by Lanteris Space Systems.  

### Launch Details  
- **Date**: June 23, 2017, at 19:10 UTC.  
- **Location**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Full Thrust (core B1029, second flight).  

### Operational Role  
- **Primary Function**: Telecommunications, including TV and broadband services.  
- **Coverage Area**: Geostationary orbit serving Bulgaria and surrounding regions.  

### Identifiers  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2017-038A.  
- **NORAD ID**: 42801.  
- **NSSDCA ID**: 2017-038A.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/bulgariasat-1.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.satbeams.com/satellites?norad=42801)