Rocketlab's Second Midair Rocket Stage Capture via Helicopter Fails | Aviation International News

Rocketlab's Second S-92 Midair Rocket Capture Fails

Rocketlab pulls Sikorsky S-92 out of recovery area after telemetry failure.

Rocketlab's Sikosky S-92A is equipped with long-range auxiliary fuel tanks, bubble windows to enhance crew visibility, and a long line attached to a hook designed to snag the first stage of the company's rockets as it falls back to Earth under a parachute. (Photo: Rocketlab)

By Mark Huber • Contributor

November 4, 2022

Rocketlab’s second attempt to catch its Electron low earth orbit (LEO) launch vehicle’s first stage in midair with a Sikorsky S-92A failed this afternoon approximately 160 nm off the New Zealand coast. “We have had an update from the [helicopter] pilots and unfortunately it looks like we are not going to bring Electron home dry today, but we do have the backup option of an ocean splashdown,” Rocketlab’s mission control announced minutes after the rocket’s second and first stages successfully separated.

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