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Concept
Space tether
Summary
Space tethers are long cables which can be used for propulsion, momentum exchange, stabilization and attitude control, or maintaining the relative positions of the components of a large dispersed satellite/spacecraft sensor system. Depending on the mission objectives and altitude, spaceflight using this form of spacecraft propulsion is theorized to be significantly less expensive than spaceflight using rocket engines.
Tether satellites might be used for various purposes, including research into tether propulsion, tidal stabilization and orbital plasma dynamics. Five main techniques for employing space tethers are in development:
Electrodynamic tethers
Electrodynamic tether
Electrodynamic tethers are primarily used for propulsion. These are conducting tethers that carry a current that can generate either thrust or drag from a planetary magnetic field, in much the same way as an electric motor does.
Momentum exchange tethers
Momentum exchange tether
These can be either rotating tethers, or non-rotating tethers, that capture an arriving spacecraft and then release it at a later time into a different orbit with a different velocity. Momentum exchange tethers can be used for orbital maneuvering, or as part of a planetary-surface-to-orbit / orbit-to-escape-velocity space transportation system.
Tethered formation flying
Tethered formation flying
This is typically a non-conductive tether that accurately maintains a set distance between multiple space vehicles flying in formation.
Electric sail
Electric sail
A form of solar wind sail with electrically charged tethers that will be pushed by the momentum of solar wind ions.
Universal Orbital Support System
Universal Orbital Support System
A concept for suspending an object from a tether orbiting in space.
Many uses for space tethers have been proposed, including deployment as space elevators, as skyhooks, and for doing propellant-free orbital transfers.
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857–1935) once proposed a tower so tall that it reached into space, so that it would be held there by the rotation of Earth.
Official source
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