Patent — available for licensing
Spacecraft to Remove Orbital Debris
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have designed an Active Debris Removal Vehicle (ADRV) that can remove large orbital debris from low-Earth orbit (LEO). The ADRV will approach a debris object, assess its characteristics and motion, determine an initial capture trajectory, match its rotation rates, execute a capture maneuver, and control and deorbit the object. This concept can help mitigate catastrophic collisions with debris involving astronauts, their spacecraft, and other valuable space assets. The ADRV incorporates several NASA inventions including a novel spacecraft control system, debris object characterization system, and capture and release system. These NASA ADRV technologies may also be applied to satellite servicing and orbital adjustments. The Active Debris Removal Vehicle (ADRV) is at technology readiness level (TRL) 6 (which means the system/sub-system model or prototype has been demonstrated in an operational environment) and the related issued patent is now available to license. Please note that NASA does not manufacture products itself for commercial sale.