BulgariaSat-1 is owned by Bulgarian provider Bulsatcom and positioned at geostationary orbit at 2.0° E. The satellite provides television broadcasting, telecommunications services and broadband internet for Bulgaria and neighbouring South-Eastern and Central European countries. The database registers 13 active transponders and 140 channels.
For Ukrainian viewers, the satellite is available in the peripheral coverage zone. Reception is practical mainly in the south and west of the country — but with a properly selected antenna.
Launch and technical platform
BulgariaSat-1 launched on 23 June 2017 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral. This launch made history: for the first time in commercial practice, a reused Falcon 9 first stage was deployed. The event resonated throughout the entire industry.
The spacecraft was built on the SSL 1300 platform by Space Systems/Loral — one of the most proven geostationary platforms in the world. Designed lifespan: 15 years. On-board systems are powered by solar panels with battery backup, ensuring stable operation throughout the service life.
Coverage zones and reception in Ukraine
The main beam is focused on Bulgaria and the nearest Balkan countries. Additional beams cover Central and Western Europe and North Africa. Ukraine falls within the periphery of the South-Eastern European regional beam.
| Beam | Coverage | Dish diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Main (Bulgaria) | Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Serbia | 60–75 cm |
| Regional (South-Eastern Europe) | Balkans, southern Ukraine, Moldova | 90 cm |
| Extended (Central Europe) | Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, western Ukraine | 90–120 cm |
| Peripheral | Western and central Ukraine, Poland | 120 cm and above |
In practice, when tuning in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, a 90 cm dish provides quite acceptable signal levels on open channels. In Kyiv and central regions — minimum 120 cm, otherwise signal measurements in dense cloud conditions drop below threshold. In the western part of the country, results depend on terrain and antenna installation height: range 90–120 cm, but it is better not to risk it and go straight for a 1-metre dish.
Transponders and frequency band
BulgariaSat-1 operates exclusively in the Ku-band. 13 active transponders deliver 140 television channels and additional services. Broadcasting is conducted in DVB-S2 standard with QPSK and 8PSK modulation — this allows efficient use of bandwidth and transmission of content in SD, HD and Ultra HD formats.
The Ku-band provides compact antennas but is sensitive to precipitation. Heavy rain or wet snow significantly reduce signal levels — especially at the periphery of the coverage zone. Extra dish diameter margin is not excessive here.
Television packages and free-to-air channels
The main broadcasting operator via BulgariaSat-1 is Bulsatcom, Bulgaria's leading pay-TV provider. The satellite transmits a wide range of Bulgarian television channels, regional services for South-Eastern Europe and international channels for the Bulgarian diaspora in Western Europe.
Among free-to-air (FTA) channels are Bulgarian public and regional broadcasters. Most of Bulsatcom's premium content is encrypted in its own conditional access system. To receive encoded packages, an official subscription and compatible receiver or access card are required.
Frequently asked questions
What antenna should I install in Kyiv to receive BulgariaSat-1?
Minimum 120 cm. Smaller diameter gives unstable signal, especially in cloudy weather or during precipitation.
Are there Ukrainian channels on BulgariaSat-1?
No. Broadcasting is oriented towards Bulgarian audiences and South-Eastern European viewers.
What broadcasting standard does the satellite use?
DVB-S2 with QPSK and 8PSK modulation. The receiver must support DVB-S2.
Will a 90 cm antenna be sufficient in southern Ukraine?
For free-to-air channels — yes, in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions 90 cm works. For stable reception of encoded packages, it is better to use 120 cm.