DISPOSAL OF GEOSYNCHRONOUS SATELLITES BY EARTH-ORIENTED TETHERS

摘要

An extended-length gravity-gradient-stabilized geosynchronous tether system is described that can be used to collect and dispose of space debris objects in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). The debris objects are released from the tether at various distances from GEO for deployment to escape or Earth reentry type trajectories. Tether length, mass, and counterweight (upper and lower tip mass) requirements are determined for Kevlar and carbon nanotube materials. Tether extension to the Earth surface is examined (the space elevator concept) for the carbon nanotube material and the relevant design parameters established.