Rocket Lab makes its first helicopter catch attempt of a falling Electron booster; it is caught then released

Rocket Lab/Electron

During Rocket Lab's 'There And Back Again' launch of 34 satellites on May 2, 2022, a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter successfully hooked the falling booster's parachute line at 6,500 feet. The pilot detected unexpected load characteristics and released it for an ocean splashdown, but CEO Peter Beck called the catch a success on the path to reusability.

• Mission: 'There And Back Again', 34 satellites deployed successfully; helicopter catch at 6,500 feet altitude.
• Mid-air capture succeeded, but pilot detected load characteristics different from testing and released booster for ocean splashdown.
• CEO Peter Beck termed it a success, praising recovery team; mid-air capture avoids seawater damage and accelerates reuse cycles versus ocean recovery.