SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL

摘要

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for removal of orbital debris are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a spacecraft control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target. The apparatus also includes a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target. The apparatus further includes a capture and release unit configured to capture a target and deorbit or release the target. The collection of these apparatuses is then employed as multiple, independent and individually operated vehicles launched from a single launch vehicle for the purpose of disposing of multiple debris objects.

主权项

1. A system for removing debris, comprising:
a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle comprising a cowcatcher configured to protect instruments and react launch loads on the vehicle; and a single launch vehicle comprising a payload, the payload comprising the plurality of vehicles, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles are oriented upside down on the payload.