A system for imparting linear momentum transfer may include a catching mechanism of a target space vehicle and a tether that is configured to impart a linear momentum transfer from the tether to the target space vehicle. The tether may be fixedly or detachably connected to a Kinetic Energy Storage and Transfer (KEST) vehicle that maneuvers and potentially retrieves the tether. Alternatively, the tether may be separate from the KEST vehicle and may be retrieved by a suitable retrieving mechanism, such as a robotic arm.
Keywords: orbit, kinetic energy
International Class: B64G 1/24 20060101 B64G001/24, B64G 1/00 20060101 B64G001/00, B64G 1/40 20060101 B64G001/40, B64G 1/64 20060101 B64G001/64