Recycled rockets

Rocket Lab tested out its aerial booster recovery technique in New Zealand in early March

Space

Rocket Lab uses a helicopter to catch its booster in mid-air

Rocket Lab is looking to join the rocket recycling party by collecting the first stage of its Electron launch vehicle in midair using a helicopter, a method that it has now successfully demonstrated over the open ocean in New Zealand.

Rocket Lab hopes to use helicopters to retrieve rockets for refurbishment

Space

Rocket Lab lays out plan to recycle used rockets by catching them with helicopters

SpaceX singlehandedly changed the game when it comes to rocket recycling, but it might soon have some company with competitor Rocket Lab today announcing a reusability program of its own.

Example of what the DLR's rocket-catching aircraft might look like

Space

EU pursuing a "rocket catcher" to chase down boosters in mid-flight

Historically, space launches are anything but cheap, but reusable rocket programs like those from SpaceX and Blue Origin promise to significantly reduce costs (if they’re not already). In a similar vein, the EU is looking to develop a "rocket catcher" that snaffles boosters in mid-air for reuse.