Volga-Dnepr supports space satellites
15 / 02 / 2022
Photo: Volga Dnepr
Russia’s Volga-Dnepr Group has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore Space & Technology (SSTL).
Freighter operator Volga-Dnepr will offer its integrated logistics services to support SSTL’s network of space companies for the launch of its satellites.
The MOU, signed during the Global Space and Technology Convention 2022 in Singapore, will see Volga-Dnepr support Singapore, as well as other countries of Southeast Asia, in the field of space logistics.
With more than 30 year of experience in the aerospace sector, Volga-Dnepr will provide transportation and charter services for satellites, from manufacturing and assembly sites to required end destinations, covering, if required, design solution, first/last mile, terminal handling, customers clearance, to name a few.
Oleg Novikov, Volga-Dnepr Group development director, Southeast Asia, said: “We strongly believe in partnerships that broaden capabilities and open new opportunities not only for two companies but also for the whole sector.
“The aerospace sector has been demonstrating positive dynamics amid the active development of satellites’ launch programmes, ramped up by IoT (internet of things) penetration across various industries, mobile network spread, including 5G, and other forward-thinking projects.”
Novikov added: “We are happy to be part of this challenging environment and spin aerospace logistics across the globe in the interest of our partners and customers.”
Jonathan Hung, executive chairman of SSTL, said: “Through this partnership, Volga-Dnepr Group will work with SSTL to provide transportation and charter services for satellites, and support SSTL’s network of space companies to navigate relevant regulatory requirements, providing an alternative option for satellite airlift.
“To illustrate this, on 27 January 2022, the Ilyushin Il-76, an enormous freighter owned by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, carried a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite owned by Japanese-based Earth Observation space company, Synspective, a portfolio company in SSTL’s Space Accelerator Programme.
“The freighter landed at Auckland International Airport, where the satellite is destined to be launched into orbit by New Zealand-founded space company Rocket Lab. This is a clear example of what SSTL and Volga-Dnepr Group can achieve together to support the Aerospace industry.”
Throughout 2021 Volga-Dnepr delivered over 4,000 tonnes of aerospace equipment aboard its ramp freighters – the An-124 and Il-76 – and is set to support its customers further.
