In this paper, we presented an experimental validation of detumbling space debris by tethered space tug using air bearing testbed. The testbed is a 2m × 4m granite table. Two air-bearing platforms that can move freely on the table are used in the experiment. One simulates the free floating space debris and another simulates the space tug. They are connected by a tether. The tug's position and attitude are actively controlled in the experiment. The position and attitude of the debris and tug are measured by the star trackers and optical gyros onboard the two free floating test platforms. The testing results agree with the computer simulation very well.
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