This paper presents the preimpact configuration of a dual-arm space manipulator with a prismatic joint for capturing an object based on the momentum conservation principle. A unique precapture configuration “generalized straight-arm capture” (GSAC) is proposed based on the dual-arm space manipulator with a prismatic joint and the corresponding angular relation is obtained. The configuration satisfies GSAC and can reduce the effect of system's angular momentum caused by the impact force during the capture operation and the burden of postimpact control, so it avoids the limitation of joint velocity and actuator torque when controlling the compound (a manipulator with a prismatic joint and an object) and guarantees the stability of the system. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by numerical simulations.