Maxus (rocket)

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][1]} It is launched from Esrange Space Center in Sweden and provides access to microgravity for up to 14 minutes.^[2]

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	[3]

See also

• Texus
• Maser
• Rexus/Bexus
• Esrange