Capture system adapted to capture orbital objects, in particular for deorbiting purposes

There is described a capture system (100) adapted to capture orbital objects (2000), in particular for deorbiting purposes. The capture system (110) comprises (i) a deployable capture structure (110) designed to be deployable between a standby configuration and a fully deployed open configuration, in which the capture structure (110) defines a capture volume with an opening (110A) dimensioned to receive and capture a selected orbital object (2000), (ii) a deployment platform (200) designed to deploy the capture structure (110), and (iii) a closing mechanism (300) designed to close the capture structure (110) around the selected orbital object (2000) located within said capture volume. The capture structure (110) consists of a capture envelope comprising a plurality of foldable sheet-like structures (115, 115.1-115.3) each configured to be reversibly foldable and unfoldable as a function of deployment of the capture structure(110). Each foldable sheet-like structure (115, 115.1-115.3) is designed to take a first configuration, in which the foldable sheet-like structure (115, 115.1-115.3) is folded on itself to form the standby configuration of the capture structure (110), and at least a second configuration, in which the foldable sheet-like structure (115, 115.1-115.3) is unfolded and extended to form the fully deployed open configuration of the capture structure (110). Each foldable sheet-like structure (115, 115.1-115.3) exhibits a fold pattern (MF, VF) defining an alternation of convex and concave sections in the second configuration, which convex and concave sections are adapted to automatically fold one on top of the other upon retracting the capture structure (110).