Science, Technologies and Materials of the Future: Impressions from the Space Ecology Safety 2025 Conference

In Sofia, in the halls of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the XXI International Conference Space Ecology Safety (SES 2025) was held — one of the key events in Eastern Europe devoted to issues of ecology, space safety and aerospace technologies.

The organizers were the Institute for Space Research and Technology of the BAS, the Rakovski National Defence College and the Bulgarian Astronautical Society.

Aerospace Technologies and Biotechnologies: an insider’s view

My particular interest was drawn to the section “Aerospace Technologies and Biotechnologies”, chaired by Corresponding Member Petar Getsev, with Professor Zoya Hubenova as secretary.
Here were presented reports representing the cutting edge of Bulgarian science:

• Konstantin Metodiev discussed trajectory control of quadcopters and analysis of flight patterns based on data;

• Malina Yordanova addressed digital health and artificial intelligence;

• Pavlin Gramatikov and Stefan Shopov on remote monitoring of atmospheric pollution using UAVs;

• Julian Tahov (D Aerospace) — on applying RTK technologies for precise positioning of unmanned vehicles.
  Between the presentations lively discussions took place about the future of aerospace systems, the role of drones in environmental monitoring and new approaches to navigation.

 Science and People

I had the pleasure of talking with a number of researchers whose projects demonstrate how closely science is interwoven with engineering and industry.
Especially inspiring is the openness and readiness of Bulgarian scientists to international collaboration.
They welcomed me warmly at the Academy and gladly shared news and discoveries. Such meetings allow one to see how fundamental science is turned into practice — from mathematical models to working solutions.

 From the conference to materials: the role of special steels

The topic of drones and aerospace systems naturally led me to the question of materials.
Under extreme loads, high temperatures and weight requirements, materials are the basis of a technological breakthrough.
Special steels and alloys provide that reliability without which modern UAVs, satellite structures and rocket systems are impossible:

• Maraging steels combine high strength and ductility;

• Heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloys are used in engines, load-bearing structures and casings;

• Alloyed steels with nickel and chromium guarantee stability under load and temperature fluctuations;

• Various aluminium alloys, like the legendary 7075-T6 alloy. Developed by Alcoa for the Boeing B-17 aircraft. Used in aviation, rocketry and unmanned systems. Tensile strength up to 570 MPa, at a weight three times lower than steel.

Smart Metal Group: materials available already today

Inspired by scientific ideas, we at Smart Metal Group develop the direction of special steels and alloys meeting the high standards of aerospace and engineering application.
Modern manufacturing and quality-control technologies allow us to supply materials suitable for both industry and research and innovation projects.

✅ Science opens horizons.
✅ Industry gives them shape.
✅ We offer the materials for the solution.
And together we bring closer the future where technologies work for safety, ecology and sustainable development.

*Maraging steels are ultra-high strength low-carbon steels alloyed primarily with nickel (up to 25 %), as well as cobalt, molybdenum, titanium and sometimes aluminium or niobium.