System, apparatus, and method for active debris removal

US9187189B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION · US
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Anthony D. Griffith, SR. · Houston, US
• Rajiv Kohli · Houston, US
• Susan H. Burns · Sugar Land, US
• Stephen J. Damico · League City, US
• David J. Gruber · Friendswood, US
• Christsopher J. Hickey · Houston, US
• David E. Lee · New York, US
• Travis M. Robinson · Friendswood, US
• Jason Smith · San Rafael, US
• Peter T. Spehar · Seabrook, US
• David S. Adlis · Seabrook, US
• Brian M. Kent · Dayton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 17, 2015
• Expiry date: Apr 6, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/62
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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.