Maximusian Space Program
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | March 17, 1971 |
| Headquarters | Litudinem, Libertas Omnium Maximus |
| Motto | Our Future Lies Among the Stars |
| Employees | 4,612 |
| Annual budget | M$1.1 billion (2022) |
| Minister responsible |
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| Parent agency | Maximusian Aerospace Authority |
The Maximusian Space Program, abbreviated to MSP, is the government space agency of Libertas Omnium Maximus. It is a civilian subdivision of the Maximusian Areospace Authority (AA) specifically overseeing practical data-gathering operations, aeronautics research, and exploratory launches.
History[edit | edit source]
Formation and Early Flights (1971-1999)[edit | edit source]
An initiative promised by then Maximusian President, Harold Evans, during his 1968 election campaign, the Maximusian Areospace Authority was created in 1969 to more effectively carry out research and satellite launches under the umbrella of one consolidated federal organization. For several years, the organization operated on a shoestring budget, but was given renewed focus and a heftier operating allotment after the Great War fully concluded. The Maximusian Space Program was founded within the MAA in 1971 with lofty aspirations of manned low-earth-orbits by 1975. Despite a number of setbacks, Maximusian astronauts John Harris and Nicholas Campbell successfully completed the program's first stable low-earth-orbit on the morning of February 12, 1976 in the costly Zephyr VII capsule. The Zephyr missions flew an additional three manned flights in 1977, 1979, and 1980, respectively, before being cancelled due to another round of budget cuts during the Nelson administration.
Gaea Program (2000-2020)[edit | edit source]
In 2000, as part of a new-years day address, Roger Hall announced the Gaea Program, which aimed to develop semi-reusable space craft in order to decrease orbital flight costs, study heat shielding methods, and examine the effects of long-term spaceflight on hardware and astronauts. The program also focused heavily on increasing the duration and data-collection rate of manned extravehicular activities (EVAs). Prototype testing began as early as 2003, though the first successful space-shuttle mission did not occur until 2006.
The Gaea missions were discontinued on April 7, 2020, following four successful flights of the Gaea-class craft. MSP sold off a number of prefabricated solid fuel boosters manufactured for the program prior to its cancellation to private commercial launch services between 2020 and 2021.