Apparatus for holding large space debris and satellites

A frame 1 attached to hinge means 2, wherein the hinge means is connected to a payload bay of a space vehicle 3. A flexible material and/or mesh and/or net 4 (e.g. composed of fiberglass) is connected to the frame inside. Means (e.g. spring and/or elastic and/or rubber means 6) cause the frame to swing in one direction only to trap space junk or debris or a satellite 5 between the flexible material and the space vehicle or an object in physical contact with the payload bay. Optionally, the object is a flat surface lined with shock absorbing foam means and attached to rails to adjust the space vehicle centre of gravity. The frame has means preventing from swinging in an opposite direction, e.g. a ratchet mechanism. Alternatively the frame is swung by a servo motor or an electric motor driven pulley or a geared lever means or hydraulics, or a locking pin/bolt (7, figure 4) is removed from latch means (8) allowing the frame to swing under tension.