Tethers in Space: A propellantless propulsion in-orbit demonstration

Title

Tethers in Space: A propellantless propulsion in-orbit demonstration

 Author

Kruijff, M.

Contributor

Ockels, W.J. (promotor)
Gill, E.K.A. (promotor)

Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

 Department

ASSET/SSE

 Date

2011-05-30

 Abstract

Space tethers are cables that connect satellites or other endmasses in orbit. The emptiness of space and the near-weightlessness there make it possible to deploy very long and thin tethers. By exploiting basic principles of physics, tethers can provide propellantless propulsion and enable unique applications such as the provision of comfortable artificial gravity or the removal of space debris. Nevertheless there are still no tether applications in use today - there appears to be a "gap of scepticism". A safe tether and deployer system has therefore been designed and verified with the help of simulation and innovative ground testing equipment. Through a hands-on educational approach, the YES and YES2 low-cost space tether experiments have been launched into orbit. In September 2007, all 32 km of the YES2 tether are deployed in orbit. With the help of this tether, a student-built re-entry capsule is deorbited over Kazakhstan. This work reports this design and analysis effort, with the aim to raise confidence in the use of space tethers.

 Subject

tether
space tether
deployment
YES
YES2
debris mitigation
artificial gravity
spacemail

 To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9d437e58-82c0-4af1-935f-69ba5573c7a2

 ISBN

9789088912825

 Part of collection

Institutional Repository

 Document type

doctoral thesis

 Rights

(c) 2011 Kruijff, M.
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