Hercules HC-130 capsule recovery. US Air Force HC-130B aircraft using a trailing grapple to catch and recover a spy satellite or meteorological capsule (descending by parachute at lower centre). Such aircraft were specially modified for the mid-air retrieval of space capsules re-entering the atmosphere from orbit. The first such midair retrieval had taken place in 1960 (see C016/4237). Such midair recoveries were usually carried out by the 6594th Test Group based in Hawaii. Midair recoveries took place until 1986, with some 120 successful recoveries between 1960 and 1972. This flight took place from Edwards Air Force Base. Photographed on 15 July 1969.