ReX
A family of return capsules, from small test units to a planned 12-tonne version, that use a large folding heat shield to bring cargo back from low Earth orbit.
Why it matters
Making drugs and materials in orbit, or testing hypersonic hardware, only pays if the results come home reliably and cheaply. A heat shield that folds for launch and opens wide for reentry lets a small vehicle bring back more.
How the technology works
ReX uses a cable-tensioned hypersonic decelerator with a deployable thermal protection system. Catalyx plans ReX-3 in 2026, a ReX demonstration on Falcon 9 in 2027 and ReX-Heavy, rated for 1,250 kg, in 2029.
A ReX capsule was drop-tested from an airplane in 2025.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction