C-130 Hercules, using a device similar to that previously used to recover film capsules from spy satellites. On the X-61's first flight, on January 17, 2020, the drone's main parachute failed to open, and the midair recovery failed, resulting in the loss of the drone. Subsequent test flights have resulted in successful retrievals. US-New Zealand aerospace company Rocket Lab has announced plans to recover their Electron rocket for reuse by helicopter. The first successful midair recovery of an Electron booster was made on 3 May, 2022. Image gallery See also Fulton surface-to-air recovery system, sometimes nicknamed "Skyhook" Airborne aircraft carrier References Aircraft operations Spacecraft