Rocket Lab catches falling rocket with a helicopter — then drops it in the ocean

Rocket Lab previously tested catching a dummy booster after dropping it from a second helicopter | Image: Rocket Lab

Update May 2nd, 7:50PM ET: Shortly after launch, Rocket Lab's Electron fell back to Earth and deployed its parachutes as planned. It then came into view of the company's helicopter, which then successfully caught the rocket for a few brief moments. However, the helicopter pilot noticed different load characteristics" that Rocket Lab had not experienced during previous testing.

At his discretion, the pilot offloaded the stage for a successful splashdown, where it has been recovered by our vessel for transport back to our factory," Murielle Baker, a communications representative for Rocket Lab, said during the launch livestream. The stage is in great condition though, and we look forward to assessing it in detail when it's back here in...

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