The High Orbit Debris Object Reclaimer (or H.O.D.O.R) is a reliable way to aquire Research Parts from Droppods, by using a rocket to shoot them down from Orbit.
Once built, the launchpad will require 45 High Octane Fuel and must be connect to an energy source to fire. As soon as the rocket reaches the Planets orbit, a Droppod will appear and crash to the surface ready for being looted.