Six months after its first first-stage recovery attempt, Rocket Lab tried its hand at booster recovery once again, with the launch of its 32nd mission, “Catch Me If You Can.” Liftoff took place on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 6:27 AM NZDT (17:27 UTC on Friday, Nov. 4).
The California-based launch services company made its first attempt at first-stage recovery and reuse during its 26th mission, named “There And Back Again.” On that mission, a successful mid-air catch via helicopter was made, though unexpected load characteristics necessitated a drop and an ocean recovery.
On “Catch Me If You Can,” no mid-air catch was achieved due to a telemetry drop out during Stage 1 reentry.