Volga Dnepr transports sensitive satellite

Volga-Dnepr Airlines carried the Türksat 4B communications satellite  from Japan to the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on an An-124 freighter this month. Once in orbit, the satellite will improve communications in Turkey, Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Mitsubishi Electric manufactured the satellite in Japan for Turkish satellite operator Türksat AS. For shipment to Kazakhstan, Volga-Dnepr secured it in a special container designed both to protect its sensitive technology, and to maintain the temperature at a steady 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Mitsubishi employees accompanied the satellite throughout its entire journey, and Volga-Dnepr will fly the container back to Japan.

Volga-Dnepr also delivered the Türksat 4B’s predecessor, the 4A. That satellite was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Feb. 15, 2014.