SpaceRef - Future Technology

SpaceRef - Future Technology - Tethers

Introduction to Space Tethers - Space tethers are long cables in space that are used to couple spacecraft to each other or to other masses and that allow the transfer of energy and momentum from one object to another. They may be used to perform a number of the functions of propulsion systems. Advanced Propulsion Technology Group at NASA JPL.

MERITT: Mars - Earth Rapid Interplanetary Tether Transport - A concept developed by Tethers Unlimited that consists of two rapidly rotating tethers in highly elliptical orbits around Earth and Mars that can be used to send payloads back and forth with no onboard propulsion needed except for midcourse guidance.

Mir Electrodynamic Tether System (METS) - The Mir Electrodynamic Tether System (METS) is a rather unusual electric motor that is designed to reboost the Mir orbital station. This motor is unusual because some key parts of the motor are provided by the earth itself: the magnetic field and a ionospheric plasma that provides most of the current loop. What METS itself provides is a control computer, a high-power voltage converter, and the rest of the current loop: a 5 km long wire, a 1 km long thin bare metal strip at one end of the wire to collect electrons from the plasma, and a hollow cathode emitter at the other end to emit electrons back into the plasma.

Space Tethers - Article from the February 1999 edition of Scientific American on space tethers.

Tether Experiments in Space - Delta-Utec Space Research & Consultancy is part of a European consortium that will perform a tethered re-entry demonstration mission for the International Space Station application. This mission is called TSE (Tether System Experiment).

Tether Flight Experiments - Several tether flight experiments have flown in the recent years, and several are waiting to be flown. Mission and project descriptions by the Advanced Propulsion Technology Group at NASA JPL.

Tether Transport from Low Earth Orbit to the Lunar Surface - A concept developed by Tethers Unlimited wherein several rotating tethers in orbit around the Earth and Moon ma provide a means of exchanging supplies between low Earth orbit facilities and lunar bases without requiring the use of propellant.

Tether Types and Applications - There are several applications envisioned for tethers, including "trolling" the upper atmosphere from the Space Shuttle, in-space orbit raising/lowering, surface-to-orbit launch, and electromagnetic propulsion or power production. Advanced Propulsion Technology Group at NASA JPL.

Tethered Satellite System (TSS-1R) - Tether demonstration project launched on STS-75 in 1996.

Tethers for Rapid Autonomous Deorbit of LEO Satellites - Tethers Unlimited Inc. is currently developing a system called the "Terminator Tether" that will provide a low-cost, lightweight, and reliable method of removing objects from low-Earth-orbit (LEO).

Tethers in Space - Teacher's Guide - A page maintained at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center - educational pages describing the use of tethers in space.

Tethers In Space Handbook - Tethers in Space Handbook, Second Edition May 1989. Available for downloading in four sections.

Tethers-In-Space Research at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory - Describes research activities into space tethers.