Dynamics of Tethered Satellite Systems

Aslanov V.S., Ledkov A.S. "Dynamics of Tethered Satellite Systems," Elsevier, 2012, 356 p., Doi: 10.1533/9780857096005, ISBN: 9780857091567

Description

Aimed at engineering students and professionals working in the field of mechanics of space flight, this book examines space tether systems - one of the most forward-thinking directions of modern astronautics. The main advantage of this technology is the simplicity, profitability and ecological compatibility: space tethers allow the execution of various manoeuvers in orbit without costs of jet fuel due to the use of gravitational and electromagnetic fields of the Earth. This book will acquaint the reader with the modern state of the space tether’s dynamics, with specific attention on the research projects of the nearest decades. This book presents the most effective mathematical models and the methods used for the analysis and prediction of space tether systems’ motion; attention is also given to the influence of the tether on spacecraft’s motion, to emergencies and chaotic modes.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Space tether systems: review of the problem
• 1.1 Application of space tether systems
• 1.2 Chronology of experiments with the use of space tethers
• 1.3 Materials for tether production
• 1.4 Study of space tether dynamics: state of the problem
• Chapter 2: Mathematical models of space tether systems
• 2.1 Simple models of STS consisting of two point masses connected by a massless tether
• 2.2 Simple model of a STS consisting of two point masses connected by a heavy tether
• 2.3 Model of a STS with a ponderous flexible tether
• 2.4 Model of a STS consisting of a point mass connected by a heavy tether with a rigid body
• 2.5 Model of a STS consisting of two rigid bodies connected by a heavy elastic multipoint tether
• Chapter 3: Motion of a spacecraft with a tethered payload

• 3.1 Mathematical model of a base spacecraft with a tethered payload
• 3.2 Analytical solution in case of a slow changing of the parameters
• 3.3 The approximate analytical solutions in the variables of the amplitude–phase
• 3.4 Analytical solutions for small oscillations
• 3.5 Estimation of the microaccelerations level on board the spacecraft
• 3.6 Motion of the spacecraft with a propulsion system
• 3.7 Motion of a spacecraft around its centre of mass in a circular orbit with a vertically deployed elastic tether
• Chapter 4: Delivery of a payload from an orbit by means of a space tether
• 4.1 Tether deployment schemes
• 4.2 Project YES2
• 4.3 Modelling of the YES2 tether deployment
• 4.4 Abnormal situations during tether deployment
• Chapter 5: Use of methods of chaotic dynamics for the analysis of tether system motion
• 5.1 Some elements of chaotic dynamics
• 5.2 The chaotic approach in STS dynamics
• Conclusion
• Index