* Astronomy

Russia's Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Centre has developed a system of mid-air retrieval (MAR) for first-stage boosters involving a parafoil with lift devices and a helicopter. The Khrunichev MAR system would be for a 10,000kg first-stage booster fitted with a parafoil at least 10m in diameter but no wider than 13m. This is due to aerodynamic needs and mass limitations for the first stage. The parafoil would be fitted with a secondary descent control device that sits in the centre of the canopy, at least a metre above it. The device looks like an enclosed helicopter rotor and provides stability. The MAR helicopter that would retrieve the parafoil and booster would use a three-pronged capture device to connect with the secondary descent control device.
This system could be realised in two to three years.

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