CONJUNCTIONS AND COLLISION AVOIDANCE WITH ELECTRODYNAMIC TETHERS

摘要

Electrodynamic tethers have very promising applications in debris removal and payload delivery, but require special conjunction analysis methods and collision avoidance strategies. This paper presents results of the analysis of the conjunction geometry and collision probabilities in close approaches between electrodynamic tethers and compact objects, such as satellites, rocket bodies, and debris fragments. Electrodynamic spacecraft do not use fuel and can maneuver constantly. They can "yield" to all cross-traffic and avoid all close approaches with operational spacecraft. Close approaches with debris can be allowed when the collision probabilities are below desired thresholds for each class of objects.