The feat, which is designed to demonstrate the reusability of its rockets, took place following a mission that saw the deployment of 34 satellites in orbit
After launching to space, the Electron rocket’s first stage was returned to Earth under a parachute during which it was captured by a helicopter using a hook on a long line to snag the parachute line.
However, after the catch, the helicopter pilot detected different load characteristics from those previously experienced, and dropped the rocket for safety reasons.
The stage is now being loaded onto Rocket Lab’s recovery vessel for transport back to the company’s production complex for analysis and assessment for re-flight as planned.
The firm’s technology is competing with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which has also created reusable rockets that are capable of landing back on Earth to be used for another mission.
The mid-air capture comes after successful recovery operations from various other Rocket Lab launches...