Rocket Lab successfully launched an Electron KS rocket from Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand, at 1727 GMT on 04 November 2022. The Electron was carrying MATS, a Swedish research satellite, studying waves in Earth’s atmosphere. The flight was dubbed “Catch me if you can”, a reference to the fact that its secondary mission would be an attempt at mid-air helicopter recovery of the first stage (the first attempt in May 2022 failed due to unexpected dynamic swaying captured stage). This attempt was also unsuccessful. Or rather it was called off due to the telemetry loss of the first stage, making it unsafe for the helicopter to remain in the capture zone.
Plan of Electron stage recovery by helicopter. Courtesy: Rocket Lab
