Volga-Dnepr Airlines has delivered the third stage of the Soyuz-ST launch vehicle to Europe’s Spaceport in Cayenne using an Ilyushin IL-76TD-90VD.

It was transported from Samara in Russia to French Guiana in readiness to launch the US SES-15 satellite into orbit in early April for the satellite communications company, SES.

Progress Space Rocket Centre approached the airline to discuss the delivery, and Volga-Dnepr’s Load Planning Centre produced a design of the special cradle to be used to lift the launch vehicle into the IL-76TD-90VD and a step-by-step guide to the loading procedures.

Volga-Dnepr has been working with satellite manufacturers for 26 years, and key account manager Sergey Lenivin says: “They have great confidence in our ability to protect the integrity of their shipments, which is achieved through a high level of cooperation by the Volga-Dnepr team and working closely with our customers.”

“We were delighted that the Progress Space Rocket Centre expressed their gratitude to us for another secure and timely performance.”