Space tethers: read instructions before use

Paper number

IAC-06-D4.3.02

Author

Mr. Bas Lansdorp, Technical University of Delft (TUDelft), The Netherlands

Year

2006

Abstract

Space tethers can be used for a wide range of interesting applications. They are however, besides a useful tool, also a threat when used without caution. When cut, space tethers have a very high risk of collision with other spacecraft because of their length. In many conceptual studies, space tethers are used too optimistically. This paper will highlight errors that can be made when designing a tether mission and gives guidelines for good design.
The most common and serious mistake is to confuse the fibre strength with the strength of the cable that is made from the fibres. The difference is a factor of about three. Safety factors are often ignored, or too low. A safety factor should be taken into account for the design load, UV radiation, space debris and micrometeoroid impacts, sharp curvatures, squeezing, high temperatures, wear and when applicable an additional one for human factors.
Besides providing guidelines for the abovementioned factors, this paper will discuss a number of tether mission concepts that disregard some of them. It is shown that the effect on the mission design can be quite large.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D4.3.02.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D4.3.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.