Maxus (rocket)

Maxus is a sounding rocket that are used in the MAXUS microgravity rocket programme, a joint venture between Swedish Space Corporation and EADS Astrium Space Transportation used by ESA. It is launched from Esrange Space Center in Sweden and provides access to microgravity for up to 14 minutes.

Maxus in Kiruna, Sweden

Technical characteristics

  • Overall length: 15.5 m
  • Overall mass: 12 400 kg
  • Payload mass: approx. 800 kg
  • Max. velocity: 3500 m/s
  • Max. acceleration: 15 g
  • Propellant mass: 10 042 kg
  • Motor burn time: 63 s
  • Microgravity: up to 14 minutes
  • Apogee: > 700 km
  • Thrust(max. in vacuum): 500 kN

Missions

Mission Date Launch site Motor Apogee Payload Modules Comments Reference Report
Maxus 1 1991 May 8 Esrange Castor 4B 154 km
Maxus 1B 1992 Nov 8 Esrange Castor 4B 717 km Successful
Maxus 2 1995 Nov 29 Esrange Castor 4B 706 km Successful
Maxus 3 1998 Nov 24 Esrange Castor 4B 713 km 798 kg 5/ESA Successful Esrange EUP105-99006
Maxus 4 2001 Apr 29 Esrange Castor 4B 704 km 803 kg 5/ESA Mostly successful; parachute failed Esrange EUP110-E15
Maxus 5 2003 Apr 1 Esrange Castor 4B 703 km 795 kg 5/ESA Mostly successful; rough landing Esrange EUP114-E114
Maxus 6 2004 Nov 22 Esrange Castor 4B 707 km 793 kg 5/ESA Successful Esrange EUP117-E146
Maxus 7 2006 May 2 Esrange Castor 4B 705 km 785 kg 5/ESA Successful Esrange EUP124-E36
Maxus 8 2010 March 26 Esrange Castor 4B 703 km 803 kg 3/Astrium ST 1/SSC Successful
Maxus 9 2017 April 7 Esrange Castor 4B 849 kg Successful

See also

References

  • "MAXUS: Microgravity Rocket Programme" (PDF). Swedish Space Corporation. Retrieved 2009-02-17.
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