This study addresses the challenges of capturing failed spacecraft and uncooperative space debris. Based on bionic principles, we propose a multi‑segment serial–parallel spatial closed‑chain capture mechanism, which can extend, envelop, and fix targets with high stability. Simulations and prototype tests demonstrate that the design increases capture range and flexibility, providing a feasible solution for space debris removal and failed satellite recovery.

This paper deals with the construction of a novel family of multimode deployable mechanisms. By connecting many identical threefold-symmetric Bricard-like mechanisms, a multimode deployable arch is proposed for the first time, which can switch between the scissor-like deployable mode and the arch deformable mode through the transition configuration. Then, new multimode center-driven deployable mechanisms can be obtained by connecting three and six multimode deployable arches.