US 12,234,043 B2
Method and system for multi-object space debris removal
Michael Lindsay, Tokyo (JP); and Takashi Iwai, Tokyo (JP)
Assigned to Astroscale Holdings Inc., Tokyo (JP)
Filed by Astroscale Holdings Inc., Tokyo (JP)
Filed on Jan. 13, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/574,641.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/137,905, filed on Jan. 15, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0227504 A1, Jul. 21, 2022
Int. Cl. B64G 1/64 (2006.01); B64G 1/00 (2006.01); B64G 1/10 (2006.01); B64G 1/14 (2006.01); B64G 1/24 (2006.01); B64G 1/62 (2006.01); B64G 1/66 (2006.01)
CPC B64G 1/646 (2013.01) [B64G 1/002 (2013.01); B64G 1/1081 (2023.08); B64G 1/14 (2013.01); B64G 1/242 (2013.01); B64G 1/2427 (2023.08); B64G 1/62 (2013.01); B64G 1/645 (2013.01); B64G 1/66 (2013.01)] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of rendezvous with a plurality of target client space objects, the method comprising:
providing a multi-vehicle system comprising:
a tug servicer vehicle configured to attach to a first target client space object operating in a first orbit; and
a reentry shepherd vehicle configured to attach to the first target client space object;
operating the tug servicer vehicle to rendezvous with the first target client space object;
attaching the tug servicer vehicle to the first target client space object to form a combined tug servicer client vehicle;
bringing, using the tug servicer vehicle, the combined tug servicer client vehicle to a second orbit;
attaching the reentry shepherd vehicle to the combined tug servicer client vehicle to form a combined tug servicer client shepherd vehicle operating in the second orbit;
separating the tug servicer vehicle from the combined tug servicer client shepherd vehicle to form each of the tug servicer vehicle and a combined client shepherd vehicle;
executing atmospheric reentry of the combined client shepherd vehicle; and
maneuvering the tug servicer vehicle to rendezvous with a second target client space object.