Patent · US Expired

Satellite retrieval apparatus

US4712753A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
12References
6Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 11, 1987
Grant dateDec 15, 1987
Priority date—
Expiry dateFeb 11, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB64G1/648
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for capturing and retrieving objects from space. A tethered grappling unit having deployable arms with catching ropes and Velcro hook strips at the ends thereof is spun and propelled towards the target. On impact, the catching ropes envelope the target and each other. The grappling unit is then reeled in and engages a catching collar containing braking plates to despin the target.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.