Grappler

A space aged version of a harpoon, Grapplers or Grappling arms are claw-like machines connected to the ship via a cable or a system of thousands of telescoping segments, suitable for picking up or manipulating objects in space. They can be used to attach to any object desired, including other starships. They are useful during rescue operations and in salvage operations, when tractor beams cannot be used. Smaller vessels can also use them to perform inertial maneuvers.

A grappling arm typically ends in a set of cameras and grippers of varying sizes, from large claws to tiny micro–manipulators. It also carries a toolkit which can be customised for a particular task.