Maxus is a sounding rocket used in the MAXUS microgravity rocket programme, a joint venture between the 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.
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 ModulesCommentsReference ReportMaxus 1 1991 May 8Esrange Castor 4B 154 km Maxus 1B 1992 Nov 8Esrange Castor 4B 717 km SuccessfulMaxus 2 1995 Nov 29Esrange Castor 4B 706 km SuccessfulMaxus 3 1998 Nov 24Esrange Castor 4B 713 km 798 kg 5/ESA SuccessfulEsrange EUP105-99006Maxus 4 2001 Apr 29Esrange Castor 4B 704 km 803 kg 5/ESA Mostly successful; parachute failedEsrange EUP110-E15Maxus 5 2003 Apr 1Esrange Castor 4B 703 km 795 kg 5/ESA Mostly successful; rough landingEsrange EUP114-E114Maxus 6 2004 Nov 22Esrange Castor 4B 707 km793 kg 5/ESA SuccessfulEsrange EUP117-E146Maxus 7 2006 May 2Esrange Castor 4B 705 km785 kg 5/ESA SuccessfulEsrange EUP124-E36Maxus 8 2010 March 26Esrange Castor 4B 703 km803 kg 3/Astrium ST 1/SSC SuccessfulMaxus 92017 April 7EsrangeCastor 4B849 kgSuccessful
See also Texus Maser Rexus/Bexus Esrange
References