The relative motion drops to zero though, at the moment of capture. So it's more like two cars on the highway that pull alongside each other just as they match

The relative motion drops to zero though, at the moment of capture. So it's more like two cars on the highway that pull alongside each other just as they match speed. Might still be too precise for a human, but automated systems should have little trouble. And it might be easier to store the emergency retrieval system on the tether's hub. That way it doesn't have to be hauled around to be used (hopefully) infrequently.