Capture devices are mounted on a space platform such as a spacecraft or
utility satellite. Each capture device includes a folded capture net
stored in a housing, guide weights connected to the net and received in
spring-loaded ejection tubes oriented at an acute angle relative to the
axis of the housing around the perimeter thereof, and a spring-loaded
releasable cover that is connected to the net, covers the net in the
housing, and holds the weights in the ejection tubes. When the cover is
released, it is spring-ejected from the housing while pulling out and
unfolding the net, and the weights are spring-ejected out of the ejection
tubes while spreading out the net. After the net wraps around a
free-flying target object in space, net closure mechanisms reel-in a net
pursing line to close the net, which is connected to the space platform
by a tether line on a winch.