Rocket Lab ‘almost’ managed to salvage a rocket in flight using a helicopter

Rocket Lab she managed, with some difficulty, to catch the first phase of her own electron rocket airlifted by helicopter. A historic undertaking, which represents an important step forward in the project for the development of reusable missiles.

The Electron had just sent 34 satellites into orbit. After reentry into the atmosphere, the rocket controls the descent phase thanks to a parachute. The missile was recovered in flightat an altitude of about 2,000 meters from Earth, using a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter

Only half success: for safety reasons, the helicopter pilot had to drop the missile into the ocean, which was later recovered. Rocket Lab explained that there were some significant discrepancies with regard to previous tests performed, in that once locked by the helicopter, the missile’s charge distribution was found to be sub-optimal, thus forcing the pilot to release an emergency. to leave – to prevent the missile from jeopardizing the maneuverability of the vehicle.

This is what it looked like from the front seats. pic.twitter.com/AwZfuWjwQD

— Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) May 3, 2022

The rocket was then transported to Rocket Lab’s headquarters, where it will undergo maintenance, in hopes of being able to use it again in the future.

Rocket Lab has set itself the goal of designing and manufacturing a fully reusable rocket, with results comparable to what SpaceX has already done with its Falcon 9. still in flight, to avoid contact with water – which, being salty, could compromise the booster’s seal.

Bringing a rocket back to Earth from space and capturing it in flight with a helicopter is extremely complicated. A staggering amount of different factors have to be perfectly matched, and they have to fit together flawlessly, so I’m extremely proud of the results we’ve achieved so far. Hence the next phase: we determine the changes necessary to ensure the full success of the following tests

he has stated Peter Beck, CEO of Rocket Lab, but not everyone is convinced of the company’s strategy. According to some observers, recovering a rezzo in the manner described by Rocket Lab would be too complicated and other solutions should be preferred. For example, SpaceX can land its Flacon 9 vertically on one of its drone ships.

The Rocket Lab’s next launch is expected in May, but it’s not clear whether the company will attempt to salvage the rocket during the return phase.