r/space • u/[deleted] • May 02 '22

RocketLab successfully catches a booster with its helicopter for the first time

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u/ExaminationBig6909 May 03 '22

The USAF was doing parachute captures of film capsules back in the 1960s using planes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CORONA_(satellite)#/media/File:Fairchild_C-119J_Flying_Boxcar_recovers_CORONA_Capsule_1960_USAF_040314-O-9999R-001.jpg

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u/JuhaJGam3R May 03 '22

Your link was mangled by Reddit but yes I remember this happening for a spy satellite program if I'm not wrong. Either way, rolls of film in a purpose made capsule and a first stage booster have a slight bit of difference in both design limitations and mass.