Planned attempt to catch a falling rocket booster with a helicopter

[GaryM]

You might think Red Bull was attempting this, but no.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/s...et-with-helicopter-yes-thats-plan-2022-04-28/

Coverage to live stream starting at 6:35 EDT today.

https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-launch-webcast

 

[asicer]

Seems like a variation on a theme.

 

[Kenny Phillips]

You might think Red Bull was attempting this, but no.

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/s...et-with-helicopter-yes-thats-plan-2022-04-28/

Coverage to live stream starting at 6:35 EDT today.

https://www.space.com/rocket-lab-helicopter-catch-launch-webcast

They've done drop tests, and had success. The cool thing is that there is also a Falcon 9 launch going on just prior.

 

[Bell206]

FYI: the first mid-air captures of space equipment by helicopters was done in the mid-1960's for NASA off the coast of Virginia. But the main reason it was done was to keep "others" from grabbing it first or having it sink too quick. Same technique has been used for years since then. Neat to see the practice continue.

 

[jsstevens]

They used to grab film canisters dropped from spy satellites with C-119 Boxcars as well.