STUDY ON PROLONGED RENDEZVOUS USING TETHERS

摘要

The problem of matching the position and velocity of a target payload in a significantly different orbit than the main spacecraft is considered. Many of the proposed scenarios for capturing such payloads using tethers involve instantaneous rendezvous. This paper examines the possibility of extending the proximity time of the capture device and the payload by utilizing an actuator mass that "crawls" along the tether. The prolonged rendezvous maneuver is studied using optimal control methodology, and the effect of various system parameters such as system mass ratios and rendezvous windows are examined. In addition, the requirements for the precapture maneuver are also studied. Close proximity times on the order of several minutes are possible.