Capturing system and capturing method

Abstract

A capturing system that can safely capture an object in outer space to be captured comprises an annular opening portion OT and exhibits a residual motion with a simple configuration and operation. The capturing system includes a supporting body attached to a spacecraft moving in outer space, a plurality of deployable rods configured to be radially deployed from the supporting body, and a gripping mechanism attached to each of the plurality of deployable rods, and configured to be coupled to an annular opening portion OT of the object to be captured. The gripping mechanism includes a first link pivotable about an axis provided at a tip end of each of the plurality of deployable rods, and configured to be deployed to a position spaced away from the supporting body, and a second link pivotable about the axis, and configured to change an angle with respect to the first link.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.