METHOD FOR REMOVING ORBITAL OBJECTS FROM ORBIT USING A CAPTURE NET FOR MOMENTUM TRANSFER
First Claim
1. A method for disturbing a trajectory of a space-orbital object, the method comprising:
- positioning a spacecraft near the space-orbital object, the space-orbital object comprising an uncontrolled object orbiting Earth; and
propelling a capture net from the spacecraft towards the space-orbital object.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
In some embodiments of the invention, methods and devices are provided that perturb a trajectory of a space-orbital object. For example, a spacecraft may be sent to a location near a space-orbital object orbiting the Earth. A net may be released from the spacecraft in a manner (e.g., with a given alignment, direction and velocity) that results in the net contacting and/or entangling with the object. This contact or entanglement may alter a velocity of the space-orbital object and thereby may alter its orbital path. In some instances, the net'"'"'s velocity is sufficient to experience increase drag by the Earth'"'"'s atmosphere, relative to the drag it would have otherwise experienced if the net did not contact the object.
4 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for disturbing a trajectory of a space-orbital object, the method comprising:
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positioning a spacecraft near the space-orbital object, the space-orbital object comprising an uncontrolled object orbiting Earth; and propelling a capture net from the spacecraft towards the space-orbital object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for identifying properties for ejecting a capture net from a spacecraft, the method comprising:
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identifying a location of the spacecraft; predicting a future location of a space-orbital object based on an estimated location and trajectory of the space-orbital object; estimating a mass of the space-orbital object; determining an ejection direction for ejection of the capture net based on the location of the spacecraft and the projected future location of the space-orbital object; and determining an ejection velocity for ejection of the capture net based on a mass of the capture net, the estimated mass of the space-orbital object, and a radial distance between an orbit of the space-orbital object and the top of the Earth'"'"'s atmosphere. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A capture net for capturing a space-orbital object, the net comprising:
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one or more rigid components; a surface attached to the rigid component; and a rocket, wherein the capture net is formed in an open shape for receiving the space-orbital object upon propulsion of the one or more rigid components. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification