Maxus (rocket)
# 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.

## 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 | |
