ReFEx aerodynamic-return demonstration

The planned ReFEx mission will use a VSB-30 sounding rocket from Koonibba Test Range to place DLR’s winged reentry segment on a representative reusable-stage return trajectory. Autonomous guidance will manage carrier-induced dispersion, transition to aerodynamic control, change heading by more than 30 degrees and approach a defined experiment-end target. A terminal unpowered hard landing and impact-resistant recorders support post-flight validation of aerodynamic, thermal and flight-control models. DLR’s October 2026 integration report anticipates launch in 2027.