Electrodynamic tether

Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C244S158200

Reexamination Certificate

active

07118074

ABSTRACT:
A tether system for providing thrust to or power subsystems of an artificial satellite in a low earth orbit. The tether has three main sections, an insulated section connected to the satellite, a conducting section connected to the insulating section for drawing in and releasing electrons from the space plasma and a non-conducting section for providing a tension to the other sections of the tether. An oxygen resistant coating is applied to the bare wire of the conducting section as well as the insulated wires of the insulated section that prevents breakdown during tether operations in the space plasma. The insulated and bare wire sections also surround a high tensile flexible polymer core to prevent any debris from breaking the tether during use.

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Johnson, Charles L. et al., “Electrodynamic Tethers For Spacecraft Propulsion,” AIAA 98-0983 36th Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (Reston, VA), pp. 1-8, (Jan. 12, 1998).
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