DLR ReFEx winged reentry demonstrator

ReFEx is DLR’s winged demonstrator for aerodynamic return of a reusable launcher stage. The small reentry segment is designed for VSB-30 sounding-rocket launch, deployable wings, autonomous guidance from hypersonic to subsonic speeds, and a substantial heading change toward the launch area. Cold-gas attitude control supports the near-vacuum phase before aerodynamic surfaces become effective. The planned experiment ends in an unpowered hard landing within a designated safety area, with impact-resistant recorders preserving data. It tests reusable-stage technologies rather than repeated flights of an operational booster. Published design dimensions are 2.7 m length and 1.05 m span, with mass approximately 450 kg.