The Rocket Catcher by Drone Rescue Systems

The parachute rescue system manufacturer Drone Rescue Systems GmbH supports the European research project "Formation flight for in-Air Launcher 1st stage Capturing demonstration", abbreviated as FALCon. Under the leadership of DLR, research is being conducted on how carrier rockets can be efficiently returned to the launch site for reusability after use.

The goal of FALCon is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly satellite transport. The focus is on the recovery of rocket stages after launch. To be able to reuse these stages, work is being done to catch them in the air using a "rocket catcher".

For the next three years until February 2022, the focus will be on developing and demonstrating a technical concept for this idea. Rocket stages should be caught by a transport aircraft over the sea and towed near the landing site while still in the air. There, the stages will land autonomously.

"We are proud to be part of the FALCon research project with five international partners and together with DLR as part of HORIZON2020 (EC grant 821953), the largest research and innovation program of the EU to date. Capturing and towing rocket stages in flight, and thus also autonomous and safe landing, is an interesting topic for us as a parachute rescue system manufacturer," said Andreas Ploier, CEO of Drone Rescue Systems GmbH.

The research project has already conducted initial flight experiments with unmanned small aircraft.

Drone Rescue Systems on the Internet: www.dronerescue.com