Where Bulgaria’s aerospace companies, scientists and engineers work together
CASTRA is an independent, industry-driven cluster of high-tech companies, universities and professional organisations. Together we develop technologies, products and services for aviation, space and their applications.
What we work on
Our members bring together industrial, academic and research expertise in four areas.
Space systems and services
Small-satellite platforms, subsystems and payloads, high-speed satellite communications, and processing of satellite image data.
Drones and air mobility
Unmanned aircraft and their payloads, test systems, simulators and pilot training. CASTRA is a member of European Drones Cooperation.
Research and education
With Sofia University we set up the M.Sc. programme in Aerospace Engineering and Communications, and we supervise student satellite mission projects.
Space policy and public service
Our experts take part in national and European expert groups and support the development of Bulgaria’s space sector and its cooperation with ESA.
Our members
19 companies, 3 universities and research institutes, and 4 professional organisations from across Bulgaria.
Companies
- AEGIS
- Telesis
- Novorell
- Lumicomp Design
- Microplus – Apostolov
- O&K SD
- Sim Soft
- Point L – Bulgaria
- Green Embedded Systems
- LaboraXpert
- AMG Technology
- Synergy Simulations and Training
- Prodekta
- Vivateko
- Geotech Building
- Djimtech
- Unmanned Systems Bulgaria
- BulgariaSat
- GosVik
Universities and research institutes
- Sofia University – Center for Space Research and Technologies
- Technical University of Sofia
- Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies
Professional organisations
- RESAC
- Bulgarian Modeling and Simulation Association
- GEO Polymorphic Cloud
- Bulgarian Aviation Industry Association
Part of European and global networks
A European cooperation for the innovation and commercial use of drone technologies. CASTRA joined in 2022.
The European Panel of Space SME Associations.
The University Space Engineering Consortium. CASTRA works with its local chapter, UNISEC-Bulgaria.
From our news
June 2022
CASTRA joins European Drones Cooperation
CASTRA became a member of European Drones Cooperation, which brings together organisations working on drone innovation in Europe.
May 2022
CASTRA at Ratio Connect: Space
CASTRA’s CEO Vesselin Vassilev spoke at the space event at Sofia Tech Park, organised by Ratio with CASTRA and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.
February 2022
Bulgaria renews its cooperation agreement with ESA
ESA and Bulgaria signed a new European Cooperating State agreement on 15 February 2022.
Join CASTRA
Companies, universities, research institutes and NGOs working in aerospace can become full members. Organisations and individuals can also join as associate members.
