On Monday, the Swedish Space Corporation successfully launched the scientific rocket Maxus 6.

The rocket was launched from the Swedish Space Corporation rocket base Esrange at 3:35 a.m ET and reached a height of 437 miles (706 km). This allowed the Swedish team to perform eight experiments provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) as the spacecraft underwent 12 minutes of microgravity.

"We are really satisfied with this rocket campaign," said Dr. Olle Norberg, who heads the Esrange facility. "We are glad to be able to offer the scientists such a cost efficient alternative for experiments in microgravity. In addition, we can be proud of the high quality of the scientific conditions during the flight."

The Esrange launching pad is located near Kiruna, some 765 miles north of Sweden's capital, Stockholm, because of its remote location.

"I would like to congratulate all involved in this Maxus campaign," said Wolfgang Herfs, ESA project manager. "The Swedish Space Corporation is a reliable partner and we look forward to our next campaign at Esrange."

Maxus 7, is planned for the spring of 2006.

The next rocket campaign at Esrange has already started. Texus 41 will be launched in about a week, providing new experiments with microgravity for approximately 7 minutes.

Image Credit: SSC

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