The company sent a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter to meet the return stage at 6,500 feet in the air, using a hook on a cable to capture the amplifier’s parachute line. While the capture was successful, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said on Twitter that the pilots were unhappy with the way the booster hung under the helicopter and chose to throw it into the ocean. It was eventually towed and loaded onto a boat for transport back to Rocket Lab Headquarters for re-flight evaluation. Rocket Lab says the test gave the helicopter pilot “different payload characteristics than those previously experienced in the tests” and will provide important information for future helicopter arrests. The goal is to be able to catch the amplifier in the air and bring it directly to land instead of having to throw it into the sea, as salt water could damage the amplifier. If the company successfully demonstrates that it can reuse its amplifiers similar to what SpaceX can do, it can increase launch frequency and reduce shipping costs for small satellites. Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said: “Bringing a rocket from space and catching it with a helicopter is like an ultrasonic ballet. A huge number of factors have to be aligned and a lot of systems have to work together perfectly, so I’m incredibly proud of the Recovery Team’s stellar efforts and “All our engineers who successfully completed this mission and our first catch. From here we will evaluate the stage and determine what changes we may want to make to the system and procedures for the next helicopter capture and possible re-flight.” The company has scheduled another launch for May, but it is unclear whether it will attempt another helicopter recovery. All products offered by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, regardless of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may gain an affiliate commission.
