Tether Capture and Momentum Exchange from Hyperbolic Orbits

摘要

Tethered space systems have been proposed for a wide range of future space applications. These include the deployment of payloads [1], momentum exchange [2,3], and power generation via electrodynamic tethers [4]. One of the most promising applications of tethered space systems is momentum exchange. Arnold [5] demonstrated the basic features of momentum exchange by calculating the altitude gains possible by releasing the end masses from a tether in a circular orbit. For an Earth-pointing tether in equilibrium, the payload can gain an altitude of approximately 7 times the tether length; for a swinging tether the altitude gains vary between 7 and 14 times the tether length, depending on when the payload is released; for a spinning tether, the altitude gains are greater than 14 times the tether length [6].