SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR ACTIVE DEBRIS REMOVAL
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a spacecraft, control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target;
a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target; and
a capture and release unit configured to capture the target and release the target.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
48 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a spacecraft, control unit configured to guide and navigate the apparatus to a target; a dynamic object characterization unit configured to characterize movement, and a capture feature, of the target; and a capture and release unit configured to capture the target and release the target. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method, comprising:
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performing. by an apparatus, a rendezvous procedure with a target; analyzing, by the apparatus, the target prior to capturing the target; and capturing, by the apparatus, the target based on the analysis of the target. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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38. A system, comprising;
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a plurality of vehicles, each vehicle comprising a cowcatcher configured to protect instruments and react launch loads on the vehicle; and a single launch vehicle comprising a payload, the payload comprising the plurality of vehicles, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles are oriented upside down on the payload. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification