The sounding rocket program at EADS Space Transportation (EADS ST) provides scientists the possibility to execute their experiments in a microgravity environment with a μ-g time between 4 and 12 minutes. A large number and variety of experiment modules for various disciplines has been built and flown successfully over the past 29 years. This article gives an overview of the provisions and capabilities of the MiniTEXUS, TEXUS and MAXUS sounding rockets. Finally an outlook into the future of the sounding rocket program based on new developments will demonstrate that we are ready to continue the program and face the upcoming challenges of increasing scientific requirements.
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