MAKS space plane
Encyclopedia
The MAKS (Russian: МАКС (Многоцелевая авиационно-космическая система)) is a cancelled Russian air-launched orbiter 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 (270.7 LT), and would have been capable of carrying a 7 metric tons (6.9 LT) payload.
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.
, Russia is considering reviving the MAKS program.
Antonov An-225
The Antonov An-225 Mriya is a strategic airlift cargo aircraft, designed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s. It is the world's heaviest aircraft. The design, built in order to transport the Buran orbiter, was an enlargement of the successful An-124 Ruslan...
airplane. Had it been built, the system would have weighed 275 metric tons (270.7 LT), and would have been capable of carrying a 7 metric tons (6.9 LT) payload.
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.
, Russia is considering reviving the MAKS program.