Orbital Transfer Performance Analysis for Momentum Exchange Tethered Spacecraft System

摘要

Momentum exchange tether technology provides a feasible and effective way for spacecraft orbital transfer, especially with no or even little propellant cost. The present paper studies the orbital transfer performance and mission applicability of the momentum exchange tethered spacecraft system. To this end, momentum exchange tethered orbital transfer mission parameters are firstly developed via rigorous mathematical derivation, and hence the velocity increment of the payload obtained from the momentum exchange can be summarized in an analytical manner. Based on this, performance analyses are then undertaken via numerical simulation and the admissible parameters are further evaluated to ensure the payload to achieve the second and the third cosmic velocity with overload constraints. The resulting conclusions and discussions are able to conduct practical momentum exchange tethered orbit transfer missions.