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MID-AIR CAPTURE
RocketLab Mid-Air Capture
Mass
120 kg
Dimensions
Parachute system + trailing grapple line
Material
Nylon parachute, Dyneema capture line
First Use
May 2, 2022
Usage Statistics
3
Successful Uses
67%
Success Rate
How It Works
Stage descends under parachute canopy while a helicopter flies above and trails a long capture line with a hook. The hook engages the parachute drogue line, and the helicopter carries the stage to a vessel for transfer.
Key Specifications
HelicopterSikorsky S-92
Capture altitude~2,000 m
Proven missionThere And Back Again
FutureNeutron uses propulsive landing
Compatible Vehicles
Electron
Details
Rocket Lab’s mid-air capture concept uses a helicopter to snag the descending Electron first stage by its parachute before it contacts the ocean, preserving avionics and engine components from saltwater damage. The concept was proven during the “There And Back Again” mission. Rocket Lab has since transitioned to ocean recovery with post-splashdown retrieval for the Neutron rocket.
External Links
