Maxus in Kiruna, Sweden

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.[clarification needed] 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

MissionDateLaunch siteMotorApogeePayloadModulesCommentsReference Report
Maxus 11991 May 8EsrangeCastor 4B154 km
Maxus 1B1992 Nov 8EsrangeCastor 4B717 kmSuccessful
Maxus 21995 Nov 29EsrangeCastor 4B706 kmSuccessful
Maxus 31998 Nov 24EsrangeCastor 4B713 km798 kg5/ESASuccessfulEsrange EUP105-99006
Maxus 42001 Apr 29EsrangeCastor 4B704 km803 kg5/ESAMostly successful; parachute failedEsrange EUP110-E15
Maxus 52003 Apr 1EsrangeCastor 4B703 km795 kg5/ESAMostly successful; rough landingEsrange EUP114-E114
Maxus 62004 Nov 22EsrangeCastor 4B707 km793 kg5/ESASuccessfulEsrange EUP117-E146
Maxus 72006 May 2EsrangeCastor 4B705 km785 kg5/ESASuccessfulEsrange EUP124-E36
Maxus 82010 March 26EsrangeCastor 4B703 km803 kg3/Astrium ST 1/SSCSuccessful
Maxus 92017 April 7EsrangeCastor 4B849 kgSuccessful

See also