Munich Airport Hosts Climate-Monitoring Satellite En Route to SpaceX Launch Site

(IN SHORT) Munich Airport recently welcomed the Antonov An-124, which transported the climate-monitoring satellite “EarthCARE” for the European Space Agency (ESA). The satellite, a joint project between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aims to study the role of clouds and aerosols in climate regulation. Loaded with precision by cargo experts, the satellite was headed to the SpaceX launch site in Vandenberg, California, for a scheduled launch in May aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This significant event underscores Munich Airport’s role in facilitating critical aerospace endeavors and global scientific research initiatives.

(PRESS RELEASE) Munich, Germany, 2024-Mar-12 — /Travel PR News/ — At the end of last week, Munich Airport hosted an Antonov An-124. The four-engined transport aircraft was flying on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA). On board was the climate-monitoring satellite “EarthCARE” (Earth Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation Explorer).

The “EarthCARE” satellite constructed by Airbus is a joint project between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and will investigate the role played by clouds and aerosols in reflecting solar radiation into space and in capturing infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. The project is supported by more than 200 research institutes around the world.

After taking off from Munich Airport on Saturday morning, the Antonov aircraft transported the satellite to the SpaceX launch site in Vandenberg, California. The launch is scheduled for May with a Falcon 9 rocket. The 2.3-ton satellite was loaded with great care over several hours by cargo experts from Munich Airport, a freight forwarder, and the crew of the Antonov.

With a wingspan in excess of 74 meters and an empty weight of 173 tons, the Antonov An-124 is one of the largest transport aircraft in the world.

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Source: Munich Airport

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