Abstract For long enough tethers, the coupling of the attitude and orbital dynamics may show non-negligible effects in the orbital motion of a tethered satellite about a central body. In the case of fast rotating tethers the attitude remains constant, on average, up to second order effects. Besides, for a tether rotating in a plane parallel to the equatorial plane of the central body, the attitude–orbit coupling effect is formally equal to the perturbation of the Keplerian motion produced by the oblateness of the central body and, therefore, may have a stabilizing effect in the orbital dynamics. In the case of a tethered satellite in a low lunar orbit, it is demonstrated that feasible tether lengths can help in modifying the actual map of lunar frozen orbits.
Highlights ► Tether dynamics is used to modify the orbit characteristics of low lunar orbits. ► We study the effect of fast rotating tethers in a plane parallel to the Moon equator. ► We find that inert tethers of few km reduce the eccentricity of low lunar orbits.
Modifying the atlas of low lunar orbits using inert tethers
Acta Astronautica ; 79 ; 52-60
2012-04-14
9 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Modifying the atlas of low lunar orbits using inert tethers
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