| astronautix.com | MAKS-D |
NPO Molniya, Antonov, and TsAGI proposed a spaceplane demonstrator project to the European Space Agency in 1993-1994 under the RADEM project. This would be a scaled-back version of the cancelled MAKS spaceplane using existing rocket engines. An unmanned prototype of the MAKS would be fitted out with RD-120 Lox/Kerosene engines. Launched from atop the An-225, the MAKS-D would reach an altitude of 80 to 90 km and a speed of Mach 14 to 15.
The ES experimental spacecraft would have a launch mass of 56 tonnes, including 45 tonnes of propellant. It would fly at hypersonic speed out to a range of 1500 km, then return to an automatic landing at its launching base. Three variants were proposed:
LEO Payload: 2,000 kg. to: 200 km Orbit. at: 51.0 degrees. Total Mass: 185,000 kg.
NPO Molniya, Antonov, and TsAGI proposed a spaceplane demonstrator project to the European Space Agency in 1993-1994 under the RADEM project. This would be a scaled-back version of the cancelled MAKS spaceplane using existing rocket engines.