ReFEx: Reusability Flight Experiment - A Demonstration Experiment for Technologies for Aerodynamically Controlled RLV Stages

Abstract

The Reusability Flight Experiment (ReFEx) is a technology demonstration flight experiment to gain developmental and operational experience with a fully aerodynamically controlled reusable launch vehicle stage. It is slated to launch from Koonibba test range in South Australia in 2024 using a VSB- 30 sounding rocket to inject it into a trajectory typical of returning stages. Key factor is to demonstrate the capability to autonomously initiate return flight trajectory to the launch site using only aerodynamic means and reach designated waypoints. The project is currently in the final stages of AIV and organisational activities such as applying for a launch license. This paper gives an overview of the main systems and focuses on a system level FMECA approach used to identify failure response modes for the flight safety analysis.