* Astronomy

Today, the Texus-EML sounding rocket which is jointly funded by ESA and DLR was successfully launched from Esrange at 09.04 UT. The Brazilian rocket motor VSB-30, was used for the very first time at Esrange. The flight provided 6 minutes and 37 seconds of microgravity as planned.

The three experiments on board performed as planned and the scientists are very optimistic about the results so far. During the flight they could interact with their samples in real time via telecommand. Both housekeeping and scientific data as well as video images where downlinked to the ground station at Esrange. Interesting scientific results are expected. The scientists will analyse their samples and flight data at their home institutes.


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Due to reindeer herding in the eastern part of the Esrange impact area, Esrange chose to aim the rocket further west than usually. In addition, the vehicle flew 8 km higher than nominal. Both these conditions may have led to the fact that the payload landed 10 km into Norway in an uninhabited mountain area. The reasons to the landing outside the nominal impact area will be investigated.

The next rocket to be launched from Esrange will be the student rocket REXUS, planned for April 2006. Shortly thereafter two larger sounding rockets will be launched within the ELIPS program for ESA. Maxus 7 will be closely followed by Texus 43, both in May 2006.