Emirates SkyCargo recently transported a 22-tonne 'Amazonia-1' satellite — the first of its kind to be transported by the carrier — from Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil to Chennai in India.
The satellite, which took eight years to build, was the first to be completely developed in Brazil by its National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
The satellite is expected to be launched into space next month from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre and it will help to monitor the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest.
Emirates SkyCargo said it received "special permission" to carry the satellite and it chartered one of its Boeing 777 freighters to carry out the mission.
The company added that it made "extensive preparations" to ensure the safe and secure transportation of the specialised cargo, including working with the INPE, the airport and local partners to carry out two simulation sessions ahead of the transportation date.
On the day of the transportation, the satellite was dismantled into parts and each one was packed into a container to prevent it being damaged. Additionally, four members of the INPE travelled with the cargo to monitor its status throughout the flight.
Emirates SkyCargo highlighted that it has experience in transporting satellites and other types of aerospace cargo. For example, in 2018, it transported Khalifasat — the first satellite to be developed by Emirati engineers at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre — from Dubai to Seoul.
In Brazil, Emirates SkyCargo operates scheduled cargo flights to Sao Paulo and Viracopos airports, allowing exporters and importers from the country to connect with their global customers.
