Competes with SpaceX Multiuse Falcon
Rocket Lab has revealed its newest efforts refining its Electron rocket’s first stage recovery and reusability processes, during their next satellite delivery launch. After delivery of the second stage and payload towards its target, the first stage will complete a controlled descent, aided by parachutes, to a splashdown point in the ocean. On ce there, their Ocean Recovery and Capture Apparatus (ORCA) system will retrieve the rocket and store it in its cradle for inspection and return to service. Their eventual goal is to capture a returning rocket mid-flight during its descent.