It's not a dumb question at all. What you're suggesting is not entirely without precedent: https://www.space.com/281-sky-capture-nasa-bring-genesis-earth.html

It's not a dumb question at all. What you're suggesting is not entirely without precedent: https://www.space.com/281-sky-capture-nasa-bring-genesis-earth.html https://www.space.com/281-sky-capture-nasa-bring-genesis-ear... However, that was a known harmless object on a known trajectory versus an unknown and possibly hostile object. Additionally, helicopters can't fly nearly high enough for these. 25,000 feet vs 40,000+ feet.