Dynamics of Tethered Space Systems.

Abstract

The concept of tethered satellite systems (TSS), that is, two or more satellites in orbit around a planet, connected by thin long cables — a length of 100km is not unusual — is one of the most innovative concepts of satellite flight at the end of the 20th century. There exist numerous important practical applications [25], some of which were already tested in several flights in orbit around the Earth organized by NASA during the last decade of the 20th century. Some of these applications and, if applicable, the corresponding flights are shortly described in this report.