The REXUS programme allows students from universities and higher education colleges across Europe to carry out scientific and technological experiments on sounding rockets. Each year, two rockets are launched, carrying up to 10 experiments designed and built by student teams.

The basic idea behind REXUS is to provide an experimental space platform for students in the field of aerospace technology. "Besides additional study motivation, the students also gain experience in scientific experimental probe design, project team work and management which are important knowledge for their future careers"

The REXUS/BEXUS programme is realised under a bilateral Agency Agreement between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the Swedish National Space Board (SNSB). The Swedish share of the payload has been made available to students from other European countries through a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

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.

REXUS are launched from SSC, Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.