Satellite connected by means of a long tether to a powered space

Details Satellite connected by means of a long tether to a powered space Satellite connected by means of a long tether to a powered space

1975-10-08

1978-06-27

Barefoot, Galen L.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path

244167, B64G 120

Patent

active

040970108

ABSTRACT:
There is disclosed a system by which a satellite is connected by means of a long tether, typically a wire 100 km or more in length, to a powered spacecraft. The spacecraft may be the Space Shuttle, and two basic equilibrium positions of the system are discussed. The wire is gradually released from a storage drum aboard the powered spacecraft, and the gravity gradient established along with atmospheric drag provide the force for deployment. The system can be used repeatedly by reeling back onto the drum. The wire, once deployed, can then be left in orbit for use in future shuttle missions and (once reeled back) can be returned to earth for repair or replacement. The tethered system finds utilization in the broad areas of upper atmosphere measurements, gravity gradient measurements and radio physics research.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2432371 (1947-12-01), Berberich
patent: 3241142 (1966-03-01), Raabe
patent: 3268091 (1966-08-01), Melton
patent: 3389877 (1968-06-01), Huber et al.
patent: 3421714 (1969-01-01), Koerner
patent: 3478986 (1969-11-01), Fogarty
patent: 3532298 (1970-10-01), Swet
patent: 3582016 (1971-06-01), Sherman
patent: 3765354 (1973-10-01), Gronroos
"Space Shuttle", pamphlet from the Space Division of Rockwell International, received Feb. 1, 1974.
"Shuttle-Borne `Skyhook`; A New Tool for Low-Orbital-Altitude Research", (G. Colombo, E. M. Gaposchkin, M. O. Grossi, and G. C. Weiffenbach, Smithsonian Astrophys. Obs. Reports in Geoastronomy, No. 1, 64 pp., Sep. 1974.

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