Short tethers for electrodynamic thrust

Estes, Robert D. and Lorenzini, Enrico C. and Sanmartín Losada, Juan Ramón (2002). Short tethers for electrodynamic thrust. In: "Space technology and applications international forum - STAIF 2002". American Institute of Physics, Melville, pp. 548-553. ISBN 0-7354-0052-0.

Description

Title: Short tethers for electrodynamic thrust
Author/s:
  • Estes, Robert D.
  • Lorenzini, Enrico C.
  • Sanmartín Losada, Juan Ramón
Editor/s:
  • El-Genk, Mohamed S.
Item Type: Book Section
Title of Book: Space technology and applications international forum - STAIF 2002
Date: 2002
ISBN: 0-7354-0052-0
Subjects:
Faculty: E.T.S.I. Aeronáuticos (UPM)
Department: Física Aplicada a la Ingeniería Aeronáutica [hasta 2014]
Creative Commons Licenses: Recognition - No derivative works - Non commercial

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Abstract

The operational advantages of electrodynamic tethers of moderate length are becoming evident from studies of collision avoidance. Although long tethers (of order of 10 kilometers) provide high efficiency and good adaptability to varying plasma conditions, boosting tethers of moderate length (- 1 kilometer) and suitable design might still operate at acceptable efficiencies and adequate adaptability to a changing environment. In this paper we carry out a parametric analysis of the performance of 1-km long boosting tethers, to maximize their efficiency. We also discuss the possible use of multiple, parallel such tethers for keeping thrust high when length is decreased. We then estimate the survivability of short tethers to micrometeoroids and orbital debris. Finally, a few considerations are made on the dynamic stability of electrodynamic tether systems versus length.

More information

Item ID: 26230
DC Identifier: https://oa.upm.es/26230/
OAI Identifier: oai:oa.upm.es:26230
Deposited by: Biblioteca ETSI Aeronauticos
Deposited on: 20 May 2014 11:11
Last Modified: 14 Feb 2023 11:31
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