ESA - Robotic Exploration of Mars - Loading the Antonov 124 at Baikonur

After the launch of the ExoMars 2016 spacecraft - the Trace Gas Orbiter and the Schiaparelli entry, descent and landing demonstrator module - all of the remaining supplies and equipment had to be returned to Europe.

This picture shows an Antonov transport plane being loaded at the Yubileiny airfield of the Baikonur cosmodrome.

Several standard sea containers were loaded through the rear of the Antonov 124 with the help of integrated cranes.

This was the first of three Antonov flights that transported the ExoMars equipment and supplies from the cosmodrome back to Europe.