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MID-AIR CAPTURE
Electron Helicopter Recovery
Mass
120 kg
Dimensions
Parachute + helicopter grapple system
Material
Drogue: Nylon, Main: Nylon, Grapple: Steel cable
First Use
May 2, 2022
Usage Statistics
3
Successful Uses
67%
Success Rate
How It Works
First stage reenters with reaction control system orientation, then deploys drogue and main parachutes. A Sikorsky S-92 helicopter trailing a long grapple hook captures the parachute line mid-air, preventing ocean contact.
Key Specifications
HelicopterSikorsky S-92
Stage mass~950 kg
First mid-air catchMay 2, 2022
Method shiftNow ocean splashdown
Compatible Vehicles
Electron
Details
Rocket Lab developed a mid-air helicopter capture system for recovering the Electron first stage. After reentry, a drogue and main parachute slow the stage, and a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter snags the parachute line with a grapple hook. The first successful mid-air capture occurred in May 2022, though Rocket Lab has since shifted focus to ocean splashdown recovery.
External Links
