How Spacecraft Use Layered Nets to Stop Orbital Debris
A system using multiple layers of specialized fiber nets with varying densities to catch and break up space junk before it hits a satellite.
Original patent title: “Orbit debris removal and asset protection assembly”
A system using multiple layers of specialized fiber nets with varying densities to catch and break up space junk before it hits a satellite. Granted to Alliant Techsystems Inc in 2013 with 23 claims and 3 forward citations.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a protective shield for spacecraft made of multiple layers of netting. Each layer uses meshed composite fibers, such as para-aramid or Dyneema, to intercept and shatter incoming debris. The system is designed so that the thickness of the fibers and the density of the mesh vary between layers, typically becoming finer or denser as the debris passes through. This graduated approach allows the outer layers to break up large debris while inner layers capture smaller fragments, preventing them from damaging the spacecraft's core systems.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover solid shield plates or Whipple shields made of rigid metal.
- Does not cover active debris removal methods like lasers, harpoons, or robotic arms.
- Does not cover debris mitigation that relies solely on changing a satellite's orbit to avoid collision.
- Does not cover nets that consist of a single uniform layer of material.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The innovation lies in the 'graded' design: by varying the fiber thickness and mesh density across layers, the assembly acts like a progressive filter that dissipates the kinetic energy of high-speed impacts more efficiently than a single, uniform barrier.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Deployable satellite shielding
Protective shrouds for orbital research stations
Space debris capture systems
Why it matters
The bigger picture
As the amount of space junk in low Earth orbit increases, the risk of catastrophic collisions for satellites and the International Space Station grows. This patent provides a lightweight, deployable alternative to heavy metal shielding, which is critical for protecting expensive assets in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.
Filed
February 25, 2013
Granted
July 30, 2013
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Alliant Techsystems (now part of Northrop Grumman) has deep roots in aerospace structures. Major aerospace players like SpaceX, Boeing, and startups focused on in-orbit servicing are actively researching lightweight shielding and debris mitigation to protect their growing satellite constellations.
Market impact
This patent reflects the industry's shift toward 'in-orbit servicing' and the necessity of protecting assets from the Kessler Syndrome, where debris collisions create a chain reaction of more debris. It highlights a move toward flexible, deployable materials that can be launched compactly and expanded in space.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a protective shield for spacecraft made of multiple layers of netting. Each layer uses meshed composite fibers, such as para-aramid or Dyneema, to intercept and shatter incoming debris. The system is designed so that the thickness of the fibers and the density of the mesh vary between layers, typically becoming finer or denser as the debris passes through. This graduated approach allows the outer layers to break up large debris while inner layers capture smaller fragments, preventing them from damaging the spacecraft's core systems.
The clever bit
The innovation lies in the 'graded' design: by varying the fiber thickness and mesh density across layers, the assembly acts like a progressive filter that dissipates the kinetic energy of high-speed impacts more efficiently than a single, uniform barrier.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover solid shield plates or Whipple shields made of rigid metal.
- Does not cover active debris removal methods like lasers, harpoons, or robotic arms.
- Does not cover debris mitigation that relies solely on changing a satellite's orbit to avoid collision.
- Does not cover nets that consist of a single uniform layer of material.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
12/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$25K – $79K
Midpoint $49K · 6.7 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Stone, S. F., Towles, D. L., & Guerrero, J. L. (2013). How Spacecraft Use Layered Nets to Stop Orbital Debris (U.S. Patent No. 8,496,208). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8496208/grid-fins-for-rocket-control
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Spacecraft Use Layered Nets to Stop Orbital Debris cover?
A system using multiple layers of specialized fiber nets with varying densities to catch and break up space junk before it hits a satellite.
Who owns patent US 8496208?
Alliant Techsystems Inc owns this patent, granted in 2013.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on July 30, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 8496208 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 3 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
As the amount of space junk in low Earth orbit increases, the risk of catastrophic collisions for satellites and the International Space Station grows. This patent provides a lightweight, deployable alternative to heavy metal shielding, which is critical for protecting expensive assets in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover solid shield plates or Whipple shields made of rigid metal.
Patent monitoring