Volga-Dnepr Delivers Rocket for Mars Mission

Major parts of the launch vehicle for NASA’s rover mission to Mars, successfully launched into orbit on November 26, 2011, were delivered to the Cape Canaveral launch site in Florida by Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

A Volga-Dnepr AN-124-100 freighter aircraft delivered the 25-tonne, 118-foot-long Atlas V active expendable launch system, which was manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The flight departed from Huntsville, Alabama, for Cape Canaveral, according to a statement from the Russian air cargo company.

Volga-Dnepr used equipment manufactured by Lockheed Martin for loading and discharge. The equipment was specially designed to fit the specifications of the Antonov-124 aircraft.

Photo shows United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket clearing the tower at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rocket was flown from the manufacturer in Alabama to the launch site by Volga -Dnepr aboard an Antonov-124. Photo courtesy of NASA.