This paper presents the results of a study of an electrodynamic tether system to reboost the International Space Station (ISS). One recommendation is to use a partially bare tether for electron collection. Locations are suggested as to where the tether system is to be attached at the space station. Alternative approaches to tether deployment and retrieval are discussed. It is shown that a relatively short tether system, 7 km long, operating at a power level of 5 kW could provide cumulative savings or over a billion dollars during a 10-year period ending in 2012. This savings is the direct result of a reduction in the number or nights that would otherwise be required to deliver propellant for reboost, with larger cost savings for higher tether usage. In addition to economic considerations, an electrodynamic tether promises a practical backup system that could ensure ISS survival in the event of an (otherwise) catastrophic delay in propellant delivery.
Space Station Reboost with Electrodynamic Tethers
1999
11 pages
Report
No indication
English
Space Station Reboost with Electrodynamic Tethers
NTRS | 1999
|Space Station Reboost with Electrodynamic Tethers
AIAA | 2000
|TETHERS IN SPACE - Space Station Reboost with Electrodynamic Tethers
Online Contents | 2000
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