In Kyushu University, collaborating with Arizona State University and Santa Clara University, the project on developing 50 kg class tethered satellite is now in progress. This satellite is called QUEST-1 (Kyushu -U.S. Experimental Satellite Tether). The main objective of this project is to design and manufacture the satellite which proves the new concept tether deployment system by Japan - U.S. joint student team. The tether will be deployed 2 km and cut to transfer its orbit. In the paper, tether deployment method and result of its dynamics analysis will be introduced. Tether deployment will be carried out with open-loop control determined in advance. After the deployment, the libration angle of the satellite system can be damped with passive spring-damper system. To verify this tether deployment concept, the Tether Deployment System (TDS) for ground experimental model is developed. A Tether Reel Mechanism (TRM), a Subsatellite Ejection Mechanism (SEM) and its Control Unit consists this system. Eliminating tether retrieval system enabled TDS to be very small and simple. Ground based tether deployment experiment is performed using a 12 m long linear rail on which the subsatellite can slide freely. Slight slope given to the rail cancels the friction between the subsatellite and the rail. Result of the experiment showed the wide ability of this TDS.
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