Electrodynamic tether and method of use

Details Electrodynamic tether and method of use Electrodynamic tether and method of use

1997-09-12

2000-09-12

Eldred, J. Woodrow

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path

244166, 244172, B64G 100

Patent

active

061165441

ABSTRACT:
The present invention comprises an electrodynamic tether structure and a method of use. The structure of the tether taught by the present invention is a short, wide, interconnected multiwire (compared to the long, narrow single wires of the prior art) conductive tether whose area maximizes electrodynamic drag while simultaneously minimizing the Area-Time-Product swept by the tether during its operating life. The preferred tether length is two kilometers to five kilometers. The preferred tether mass is one percent to five percent of the spacecraft mass. The method of operation comprises orienting the tether structure at an angle to the local vertical to maximize electrodynamic drag on the host spacecraft and minimize tether instability. The angle of 35.26 degrees is preferred.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4097010 (1978-06-01), Colombo et al.
patent: 4824051 (1989-04-01), Engelking
patent: 4923151 (1990-05-01), Roberts
"Tethers Open New Space Options" by Ivan Bekey, Astronautics & Aeronautics, 1983.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Electrodynamic tether and method of use does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Electrodynamic tether and method of use, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electrodynamic tether and method of use will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-88507