Watch Rocket Lab try to capture a booster in mid-air with a helicopter

During the launch of Electron, Rocket Lab is trying something different. The space company will attempt a mid-air capture of the first stage as it plummets back to Earth. The S-92 helicopter is a twin-engine helicopter that can seat 19 people and is often used for military or presidential purposes. Most recovery missions for rocket stages end up on the ocean floor, but the company wants to create a rocket that will allow for more frequent launches.

In the past, Rocket Lab has recovered boosters with a parachute in November 2020, followed by two sea recoveries in May and November 2021. This will be the first mid-air retrieve of a booster with a helicopter. The only other space company that has recovered its boosters is Space X.

Welcome to launch day for "There And Back Again", a rideshare mission from Launch Complex 1 and our 1st helicopter capture attempt.Target lift-off: 🚀UTC | 22:35, May 2🚀NZST | 10:35, May 3🚀EDT | 18:35, May 2🚀PDT | 15:35, May 2

Mission info: https://t.co/CmjIprHwfC pic.twitter.com/jLCRHRKl9N