The REXUS/BEXUS programme allows students from universities and higher education colleges across Europe to carry out scientific and technological experiments on research rockets and balloons. Each year, two rockets and two balloons are launched, carrying up to 20 experiments designed and built by student teams.

REXUS experiments are launched on an unguided, spin-stabilised rocket powered to an altitude of approximately 90 km. The rocket will launch in Spring 2019 from SSC, Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.

The FORAREX project focuses on the behaviour of foraminifera under microgravity condition investigating changes in motility, cytoskeleton and cell movement. In addition, the life-support system for cultivating foraminifera will likewise be tested for general mission approval.

For the successful development, design and execution of the experiment a highly interdisciplinary approach is a vital prerequisite which has been made possible through the close collaboration and broad thinking of students and experts from various disciplines.

The REXUS/BEXUS programme is realised under a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB). EuroLaunch, a cooperation between the Esrange Space Center of SSC and the Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) of DLR, is responsible for the campaign management and operations of the launch vehicles. Experts from DLR, SSC, ZARM and ESA provide technical support to the student teams throughout the project.

Further information: rexusbexus.net