| Popis: |
An orbiting tether may act as a low-cost reusable upper stage in a system for launch to LEO or GEO, providing large velocity changes (at least 1 km/s) to a payload. We describe the requirements for such a tcther and discuss how these requirements affect the tcther design, particularly the need for a modular design using many identical components. The performance and utility of gravity gradient stable telhers, rotating skyhook tethers, and multi-stage tethers are comparcd. The multi-stage rotating tether is a ncw configuration which we describe and discuss. It offers superior performancc and versatility as compensation for its complex dynamics. |
