The Orbital Tether Concept for Efficient Space Access
- Paper number
IAC-17,D2,IP,10,x36090
- Author
Dr. Colin Coleman, Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), Australia
- Year
2017
- Abstract
An extended rotating orbital structure has been proposed as a novel space launch mechanism. The concept involves a transfer of energy from the structure to a payload, propelling it to orbital velocity. Total system energy is typically preserved by transferring a similar mass from orbit to Earth. A variant of this concept is studied in which two masses are connected by a tether, with a length and rotation rate such that the smaller mass periodically has a low altitude and ground speed. The equations of motion are derived and solved numerically to investigate the launch process and subsequent energy replenishment. System dynamics is characterised by the fact that the gravitational field is non-uniform on the tether length scale. A payload delivered to the structure gains energy and disengages when it is has sufficient to enter the desired orbit. Replenishment of the system energy is accomplished by electric propulsion. Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters offer the performance to replenish the energy over several orbits with a small quantity of propellant relative to the payload mass. A launch system based on this concept is scaleable and reusable, and requires far less propellant than a chemical rocket based launch vehicle.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,D2,IP,10,x36090.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.