Rocket Lab has recovered amplifiers three times in the past, the first in November 2020 by parachute, followed by two offshore recoveries in May and November 2021. But this will be the first helicopter amplifier recovery. Space X – the only other space company that has successfully recovered its amplifiers – usually relies on drone ships. The Electron is scheduled to take off on May 2 at 6:35 p.m. ET from the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand, about two and a half minutes after launch, the first and second stage rockets will be separated. The first stage, equipped with a parachute and a thermal shield to protect it from the harsh forces of the atmosphere, will descend to Earth. The helicopter at this point will then be anchored to the parachute and retrieve the amplifier. You can watch a live webcast of the release (and hopefully a subsequent recovery) below on the Rocket Lab YouTube channel. All products offered by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, regardless of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, we may gain an affiliate commission.
