Dynamics of short tether-net system during deorbiting

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present kinetic equations for tether-net system during deorbiting using a novel method differing from the traditional method.

Design/methodology/approach

The work presents kinetic equations for tether-net system in which the tether exhibits tensional and tensionless states alternately during deorbiting. Orbital position coordinates of net-capture and abandoned spacecrafts are adopted as generalized coordinates above-mentioned instead of librations and the length of the tether. Geostationary orbit (GEO) and the orbit whose apogee is 300 km above GEO are chosen as the initial and target orbit, respectively. Simulations are conducted to study the deorbiting results considering a variety of parameters and initial conditions.

Findings

The distinctive dynamic characteristics of tether-net system can be seen by kinetic equations based on the proposed dynamic modeling strategies. Moreover, the deorbiting results are deeply affected by the initial tension force and librations showed by simulations. The initial tension force and librations should be controlled within a reasonable range.

Practical implications

This is expected to provide dynamic modeling strategies for space tether-net system during deorbiting. Moreover, the preliminary principle of choosing initial conditions and parameters to meet the requirements for deorbiting can be achieved.

Originality/value

The research proposes a novel dynamic modeling method for space tether-net system that differs from traditional tethered system, and also proposes a superior librations expression based on orbital position coordinates of net-capture and abandoned spacecrafts.

Citation

Liu, J., Fan, S., Siyuan, R. and Cui, N. (2015), "Dynamics of short tether-net system during deorbiting", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 87 No. 3, pp. 284-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-03-2013-0049