About ANTARTA Space Food | Company Info, Team & Mission

Tasted in space. Enjoyed on Earth

ANTARTA is an innovative company specializing in researching and developing high-tech food products, beverages, and functional food supplements. We offer a comprehensive menu for both short and long space journeys, as well as for all extreme situations on Earth.

Our Mission
Our mission is to herald a new era in nutrition because we firmly believe
that the future is already here. We aim for ANTARTA products to become
trusted partners in every extreme situation, unexpected challenge, or
pursuit of wholesome and healthy eating.
We aspire to revolutionize nutritional solutions in space and every corner
of the Earth in conditions that demand extraordinary physical and mental
preparation.
Our Vision
Global leadership. Scientific excellence.
Sustainable innovation.
To pioneer the next generation of nutrition for extreme environments - creating high-tech meals, beverages, and supplements that elevate human performance.
To become the global benchmark for space, adventure, and defense nutrition - redefining how humanity thrives beyond limits.
To expand across Europe, the US, and the Middle East, building a worldwide standard for science-driven, sustainable nourishment.

Our Team

Nelly Simeonova
Co-founder, CEO
Graduated as Doctor of Medicine from the Medical University of Sofia. Holds a Master in History, specialty Thracology from the Sofia University. Entrepreneur and investor in the field of Real Estate, Agribusiness and projects in the field of health and medicine.
Ludmila Filipova
Co-founder, CEO
Astrophysicist and writer; MA from the Economic University, Sofia; MBA in Management from the City University, Seattle; graduated Creative writing program at Oxford University; Master (MS) in Astrophysics with high honours in...

Co-founder, CEO
Astrophysicist and writer; MA from the Economic University, Sofia; MBA in Management from the City University, Seattle; graduated Creative writing program at Oxford University; Master (MS) in Astrophysics with high honours in the Physical faculty of Sofia University “Kliment Ohridski”. Participated in 3 scientific expeditions to Antarctica, member of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute and APECS.
Vladislav Denkov
General Manager
Experienced Manager with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical and printing industries. Proficient in Sales, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, Project Management, and Team Leadership. Demonstrates expertise in pro...

General Manager
Experienced Manager with a proven track record in the pharmaceutical and printing industries. Proficient in Sales, Strategic Planning, Marketing Strategy, Project Management, and Team Leadership. Demonstrates expertise in product development, marketing, and financial and strategic planning. Holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of National and World Economy.
Alexander Iliev
Head Nutritionist and Culinary Expert
An acomplished executive chef and certified nutrition specialist with over a decade of experience in culinary innovation and balanced nutrition. Expertise in sports dietetics, Bulgarian and international...

Head Nutritionist and Culinary Expert
An acomplished executive chef and certified nutrition specialist with over a decade of experience in culinary innovation and balanced nutrition. Expertise in sports dietetics, Bulgarian and international cuisine, and development of specialized dietary solutions for diverse needs.
Prof. Dr. ILIANA NACHEVA
Director of the Institute of Cryobiology and Food technologies
A distinguished scientist with a scientific career spanning over 20 years; professor and director of the Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technology. Еxtensive professional expe...

Director of the Institute of Cryobiology and Food technologies
A distinguished scientist with a scientific career spanning over 20 years; professor and director of the Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technology. Еxtensive professional experience in the fields of cryobiology and lyophilization, biotechnological processes, functional nutrition, and dietetics. Author of 2 monographs, more than 115 scientific publications, and 11 technologies and technical specifications for the production of functional lyophilized foods and bioproducts. Participation in numerous national and international projects, served as the leader of a project for the European Space Agency (ESA).
Siana Kolibarova
PR Manager
Communications specialist, event coordinator, and public relations expert with a journalism degree from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." Extensive background in cultural communications, obtained as longtime PR manager for ...

PR Manager
Communications specialist, event coordinator, and public relations expert with a journalism degree from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski." Extensive background in cultural communications, obtained as longtime PR manager for a prominent publishing house and as an editor of several television programs; successfully managing public relations campaigns and fostering strategic partnerships to promote creative ventures.
VALENTINA RANCHINSKA
Project Manager
Master’s degree in Finance from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and a Master’s degree in Economics from Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski." Contribution to diverse projects with a strong focus on finance and econom...

Project Manager
Master’s degree in Finance from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski and a Master’s degree in Economics from Plovdiv University "Paisii Hilendarski." Contribution to diverse projects with a strong focus on finance and economics. Brings expertise in market analysis, client engagement, and driving strategic initiatives to support business growth and sustainability.
NIKOLAY YOTOV
Production Organiser
Education in economy. Extensive professional experience in implementing best practices across numerous processes, including production, logistics, administrative, commercial, and many others. Team leader for several proj...

Production Organiser
Education in economy. Extensive professional experience in implementing best practices across numerous processes, including production, logistics, administrative, commercial, and many others. Team leader for several projects for the implementation of software solutions for businesses in various sectors.
NIKOLAY SIMEONOV
Strategic Planning and Projects
Nikolay Simeonov is a Strategic Development Manager specializing in international business expansion, market positioning, and the development of export-driven commercial strategies.He designs and implements bu...

Strategic Planning and Projects
Nikolay Simeonov is a Strategic Development Manager specializing in international business expansion, market positioning, and the development of export-driven commercial strategies.He designs and implements business concepts and market entry strategies, particularly in complex regions with specific regulatory, geopolitical, and operational challenges.His expertise includes identifying high-value market opportunities, conducting geopolitical and market environment analysis, supporting strategic food security initiatives, and developing scalable commercial models for freeze-dried food solutions.

Our Partnerships

With a proven track record of success in real space, theAntarctic, and other extreme missions, our revolutionarytechnology succeeds the 50-year history of Bulgarian cosmonautics and the Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies.
The Institute, renowned for its pioneering role in producing space foods and supplements using the lyophilization method, has garnered global acclaim over the years. The Bulgarian space menu, initially developed for Bulgarian-Soviet flights under the Shipka project, propelled Bulgaria to become the third-largest international producer of space foods, following the USA and the USSR.
This pivotal partnership underscores our commitment to uniting quality, safety, tradition, and innovation by integrating the latest scientific research and developments. Through the fusion of high-quality ingredients and rigorous scientific methodologies, ANTARTA engineer sits products to meet the strict requirements of space missions while enhancing well-being in Earth's most unforgiving conditions.
Nowadays, the Bulgarian Space Menu stands as ANTARTA’s registered trademark, comprising over 30 diverse dishes, set menus, beverages, and nutritional supplements.

Innovation ecosystem

Building on 50+ years of scientific heritage, ANTARTA continues Bulgaria’s pioneering legacy in space nutrition through its collaboration with the Institute of Cryobiology and Food Technologies, the original developer of the Bulgarian Space Menu.
We bridge cutting-edge research and real-world application - transforming decades of space food innovation
into scalable, high-performance nutrition for both space and Earth’s extreme environments.
Innovation & Recognition:
Patented formulations and recipes advancing next-generation space and functional foods.
Certified by the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety, HALAL Certified and ISO Certified.
Active in R&D programs for antioxidants and novel food supplements, expanding the frontier of nutritional
science.
“Antarta Space Food” trademark - symbolizing trusted, scientifically engineered nutrition for all extreme
missions.

MANUFACTURING

Current Production Facility
In-house manufacturing with high-tech machinery.
Automated freeze-drying, vacuum-sealing, and quality-control workflows ensuring consistent output and high food safety standards.
End-to-end production on site: cooking/preparation → lyophilization → packaging → final QA.