China unveils space-debris catcher with possible military use

Chinese researchers have developed a novel space-debris catcher that uses a closed-gas, energy-absorbing launcher to quietly propel a net-carrying capsule toward orbital debris. Unlike traditional guns, this device produces no smoke, flash, or significant vibration, enabling precise operation without destabilizing the host spacecraft. The launcher employs a gunpowder charge to generate high-pressure gas that drives a piston, with a specially designed angled ring absorbing recoil to minimize barrel displacement and prevent contamination of the space environment. Its primary purpose is to capture and remove space debris by enveloping it in a net and guiding it to burn up upon reentry, addressing the growing threat posed by defunct satellites and spent rocket stages. While the official mission is debris removal, analysts highlight the launcher’s potential military applications, such as covertly disabling adversary satellites without visible signs of attack, which could appear as natural failures to outside observers. This capability raises concerns amid increasing geopolitical competition in space, especially since the 1967 Outer Space