Within research for space vehicles with Re-entry capability and hypersonic airplane development in the last decade sounding rocket systems became a major and important test bed. This paper will present an overview of the national development and flight test program SHEFEX (SHARP EDGE FLIGHT EXPERIMENT) of the German Aerospace Center DLR. After 2 successful flight campaigns in 2005 and 2012 DLR is now preparing the next test vehicle SHEFEX III, which is planned for launch in 2016. The paper will focus on the strategic test approach and scientific experiments on board in interaction and possibilities of the sounding rocket system. Also some spin off effects will be prescribed which will enhance the performance of the rocket system also outside re-entry research
