MAKS (spacecraft)

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MAKS

Schematic view of the MAKS space plane
General information
Country of origin	Soviet Union
Applications	Transport to low Earth orbit and back
Orbit regimes	Low Earth orbit
Operator	Soviet space program
Production
Status	Canceled, 1991
Launched	None
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The MAKS (Multipurpose aerospace system) (Russian: МАКС (Многоцелевая авиационно-космическая система)) is a cancelled Russian air-launched with orbiter Reusable launch system project that was proposed in 1988, but cancelled in 1991. The orbiter was supposed to reduce the cost of transporting materials to Earth orbit by a factor of ten. The reusable orbiter and its external non-reusable fuel tank, was to have been launched by an Antonov AN-225 airplane. Had it been built, the system would have weighed 275 metric tons (271 long tons; 303 short tons), and would have been capable of carrying a 7-metric-ton (6.9-long-ton; 7.7-short-ton) payload.^[1]
Three variants of the MAKS system were conceived: MAKS-OS, the standard configuration; MAKS-T, with upgraded payload capability; and MAKS-M, a version that included its fuel tank within the envelope of the orbiter.^[2]
As of June 2010, Russia is considering reviving the MAKS program.^[3]

See also

• Air launch to orbit
• Buran programme
• State Space Agency of Ukraine#Svityaz project
• RD-701 - main engine

References

1. ^ "Maks Air Launch System". Aerospaceguide.net. 11 November 2010. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
2. ^ Lukashevich, Vadim (2005). "Multipurpose Aerospace System (MAKS)". Retrieved 22 December 2010.
3. ^ Hsu, Jeremy (3 June 2010). "High-Tech Space Planes Taking Shape in Italy, Russia". Space.com. Retrieved 22 December