A frame 1 attached to hinge means 2, wherein the hinge means is connected to a payload bay of a space vehicle 3. A flexible material and/or mesh and/or net 4 (e.g. composed of fiberglass) is connected to the frame inside. Means (e.g. spring and/or elastic and/or rubber means 6) cause the frame to swing in one direction only to trap space junk or debris or a satellite 5 between the flexible material and the space vehicle or an object in physical contact with the payload bay. Optionally, the object is a flat surface lined with shock absorbing foam means and attached to rails to adjust the space vehicle centre of gravity. The frame has means preventing from swinging in an opposite direction, e.g. a ratchet mechanism. Alternatively the frame is swung by a servo motor or an electric motor driven pulley or a geared lever means or hydraulics, or a locking pin/bolt (7, figure 4) is removed from latch means (8) allowing the frame to swing under tension.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Apparatus for holding large space debris and satellites


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2025-04-23


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    B64G Raumfahrt , COSMONAUTICS



    Apparatus for holding large space debris and satellites

    European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Apparatus for holding large space debris and satellites

    European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Apparatus for holding captured space debris

    European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Apparatus for holding captured space debris

    STEPHEN DESMOND LEWIS | European Patent Office | 2025

    Free access