SpaceX, re-flying its rocket boosters multiple times to drive down launch costs, but the two space companies are going about it differently.On Friday, Rocket Lab plans to fully test its method of retrieving a rocket booster after launch by catching it using a helicopter and parachute system.
It will be the first end-to-end test of this recovery technique for the California-based company that launches in New Zealand.Here's the set-up: The Electron rocket will launch from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula, carrying 34 ride-sharing satellites to orbit.
After separation, the booster or bottom half of the rocket will begin returning to Earth, performing a series of complex maneuvers to allow it to survey the extreme heat as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere.Rocket Lab's Electron rocket launches on the mission called "As the Crow Flies" from New Zealand. (Image: Rocket Lab) A parachute will then deploy from the booster, slowing Electron down enough to allow Rocket Lab's Sikorsky helicopter to catch the parachute. What will it look like: Besides the usual awe of a launch, Rocket Lab also plans to have a camera on the booster and provide views from the rocket as it returns.
The company said this feed might cut out, but that will be a wild view if the video stays up.Below is a rendering of what it could look like.Rocket Lab's recovery helicopter, Sikorsky S-92. (Image: Rocket Lab) When is it happening: Rocket Lab is targeting 6:35 p.m.