Technology

Size

Traditional re-entry vehicles were designed for government-led missions, not the demands of modern commercial orbital logistics. Heat Shields with rigid aeroshells or mechanically deployed thermal protection systems impose fixed geometry, limited size & volume, constrained power capacity, and high structural mass. The result is low payload return capacity, high cost per kilogram and long mission timelines making the routine return of large payloads from orbit impractical, expensive, and infrequent.

[ Technology ]

Size Unlocked

Advanced Orbital Return Systems for Commercial Space Logistics

ReX is a next-generation orbital re-entry system designed to break the size constraints of legacy systems. Built around an origami-inspired, deployable thermal protection system (TPS), using commercially-off-the-shelf materials, ReX increases aerodynamic drag at much higher altitudes, slowing the system from hypersonic velocities (Mach 25+) earlier in the descent. This dramatically reduces thermal loads, lowers heat shield mass, and unlocks substantially greater payload return capacity. By replacing rigid, mass-intensive architectures with a lightweight deployable design, ReX enables routine, scalable, and cost-effective return from orbit.

High Packing Density

Large diameter foldable TPS sits compact in stowed arrangement, reducing heatshield structural size.

Ultra- Low Ballistic Coefficient

Greater surface area enables earlier deceleration, reducing peak heating and structural loads.

No Inflation Plumbing

Proprietary deployment technology removes pressurized systems, reducing failure modes and integration complexity.

Vertical Integration

End-to-end in-house assembly, integration, and testing ensures system-level control, faster iteration, and standardized performance across missions.

This results in increased survivability of sensitive payload types such as semiconductors, medications, and biocargo.

[ Frequently Asked Questions ]

How is REX unique compared to other reentry capsules?

ReX features an origami-inspired deployable Thermal Protection System (TPS) that folds compactly during launch and expands during re-entry. This innovative design eliminates the need for traditional rigid aeroshells used on orbital re-entry capsules and the inflatable or mechanically supported structures commonly found on return vehicles. By reducing structural mass while maximizing payload return volume, ReX enables more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable space cargo recovery operations.

What payloads can ReX support?

As a next-generation spacecraft reentry system, ReX can be used for Cargo Resupply, Service in contested logistics, Return of In-Space Manufacturing of Advanced Materials and Drugs, Deploy Reactors in LEO for high power applications like AI Data Centers, De-Orbit and Recover Objects of Interest, Delivery from Factories in Lunar and Mars bases, Return Materials from Astroid Mining and Hypersonics. Depending on mission configuration, ReX can accommodate payload volumes ranging from 20 m³ to 40 m³ and payload masses of up to 10.8 tonnes. The platform can also provide power, communications, compute, and sensitive or fragile payloads support , enabling customers to operate in orbit before safely returning them through Catalyx Space’s orbital reentry services.

How does payload recovery work?

After completing its mission, ReX performs a controlled re-entry and lands within a designated recovery zone. Catalyx manages the entire recovery process, including tracking, retrieval, post-flight inspection, and payload handling. Once recovered, payloads are processed and delivered to customers, minimizing the time between mission completion and payload access.

How soon can my mission be launched?

Typical missions can take off in under seven months, with customised orbital mission programs taking under 16 months.