SPACE OBJECT CAPTURE

摘要

There is provided an apparatus for capturing a space object, the apparatus comprising a harpoon element for penetrating the object, the harpoon element being configured to form part of a harpoon for launching towards the object; and penetration control means for controlling the penetration of the harpoon element into the object. The penetration control means can comprise a compressible component, forming part of the harpoon, for absorbing some of the kinetic energy of the harpoon. Alternatively or additionally, it may comprise means for varying the launch speed of the harpoon.

主权项

1. Apparatus for capturing a space object, the apparatus comprising
a harpoon element for penetrating an object, the harpoon element being configured to form part of a harpoon for launching towards the object; and penetration control means for controlling the penetration of the harpoon element into the object wherein the penetration control means comprises retardation means also forming part of the harpoon and being coupled to the harpoon element, the retardation means comprising a compressible component arranged to compress on impact with the space object to control the extent of penetration of the harpoon element into the object.