Apparatus and methods for orbital debris removal
US9617017B1 · kind B1 · utility
3Cited by
13References
10Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 11, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/6464
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An orbital debris interception vehicle includes a satellite bus and a debris interception module releasably coupled to the satellite bus. The debris interception module includes a debris impact pad, such as a pancake-shaped Whipple shield. A plurality of such vehicles can be deployed into an equatorial orbit and maneuvered to intercept orbital debris as it passes through the equatorial plane. In particular, the satellite bus can release the debris interception module before an intercept and reconnect to it after the intercept.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.