Study of a rotating tethered space system depending on the tether tension force
Published: 16.10.2025
Authors: Ekimovskaya A.A., Ermakov V.Yu., Tufan A.
Published in issue: #10(166)/2025
DOI: 10.18698/2308-6033-2025-10-2481
Category: Aviation and Rocket-Space Engineering | Chapter: Design, Construction, Production, Testing, and Operation of Aircraft
The paper considers potential introduction of a tethered space system for the small spacecraft orbital maneuvering and Earth re-entry in the event chemical fuel is unavailable. It takes into account various configurations including a rotating system with two identical payloads, as well as the symmetrical and asymmetrical systems with three identical payloads. A mathematical model is developed for the tether tension force determination, taking into account alteration in the mass and geometric characteristics. The tethered space systems are mathematically simulated using the specially developed software and algorithms. The paper studies the effect of the number of connecting cables in a structure on the tension force and sagging angles making it possible to assess preliminary efficiency of the proposed tethered space system schemes.
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