Catching a falling rocket with a helicopter more complex than it sounds, says Rocket Lab
Private launch outfit Rocket Lab has again failed to catch one of its Electron launcher's first stages with a helicopter as it floated back to Earth.
Rocket Lab's Electron can carry 300kg to low Earth orbit and has over 30 successful launches to its name. But the craft is not re-usable because its first stage either splashes down into the ocean – which rather makes a mess of its engines – or burns up on re-entry. Rocket Lab has recovered Electron boosters, and has successfully recovered and restored one engine for terrestrial firing tests.
As Rocket Lab staff explained during the live-streamed video of the mission:"Between the main parachute deployment and the time it would take Electron to reach the ocean, our pilots have about ten minutes to complete the catch. Within that time our pilots need to control the Sikorsky, balance the swing of the hook underneath while it's attached to the helicopter's line, hook up precisely to Electron’s parachute line, and then secure the rocket beneath them for the journey back.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Anglers 'catching more sanitary products than fish' due to raw sewage levels'Complaints to Severn Trent are not responded to in a manner that give a sense of hope in the future. Anyone associated with angling finds this demoralising when they cannot do anything about the impact and the damage this is doing.'
Read more »
Maddison sends Southgate a message and Tielemans scores a rocket as Leicester beat EvertonYouri Tielemans scored another goal of the season contender and James Maddison continued his top form as Leicester earned a deserved win at Everton
Read more »
Iran tests new satellite-carrying rocket in move likely to anger USThe news comes as the country continues to see widespread protests and calls for change over the death of Mahsa Amini.
Read more »
Leeds disorder: Fireworks thrown at police on bonfire nightRiot officers were called in to deal with disorder in Leeds when fireworks were thrown into crowds. Read more:
Read more »
Leeds disorder: Fireworks thrown at police on bonfire nightRockets were thrown at police officers in the Hyde Park area of Leeds on Bonfire Night.
Read more »
Western air-defence systems help Ukraine shoot down more missilesIn the past month, Russian missiles and kamikaze drones have killed dozens of people and damaged up to 40% of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. But the country is getting better at knocking them out of the sky
Read more »