The dynamics of orbiting tethered bodies are reviewed and several practical aplications are examined. Two tethered masses in orbit will seek a local vertical orientation and a stable equilibrium, with energy transferred to the 'upper' object. The tether tensions are provided by accelerations as low a 0.0004 g., permitting long tethers an relatively large masses at the ends. The Shuttle can send a payload into a transfer orbit by placing it at the upper end of the tether, unreeling the tether, then releasing the tether and thereby imparting the excess energy to the satellite while the Orbiter falls to a lower perigee. A 10 ton payload could be unreeled on a 148 km tether, released to a 12 n. mi. apogee, and the Orbiter would be in full deorbit. Similarly, the Orbiter can tether down to deorbit form the Space Station, boosting the Station to a higher orbit. The station can then unreel a large satellite, release it to a higher orbit, thereby returning to the stations original orbit. Unreeling a wire 10 km from the Space station and having the wire cut the earth's magnetic field lines, then closing the contact between the upward and lower ends of the wire, can, with modifications, either provide power or thrust without propellants for the Station.
Applications of space tethers
1984-10-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
TETHERS IN SPACE - Editorial: Tethers in Space
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