Space Tether Missions

Dear colleagues,

Space tethers are an evolving, important, and enabling space technology with multiple applications in near Earth orbit, in interplanetary space, and around other planets. Space tether systems have long ceased to be just theory. The first experiments with using them were conducted in the mid 1960s, and currently more than ten programs have been realised. The range of problems where space tethers find application is extremely wide. The problems of returning payloads from orbit and of atmospheric sounding have wide practical implementation. Various transport operations, electricity generation, the exploration of deep space, and many other tasks can be resolved with the help of space tether systems. Electrodynamic tethers can use solar power to ‘push’ against a planetary magnetic field to achieve propulsion without the expenditure of propellant for orbit raising, lowering, inclination change, and drag make-up. The main differences of the tether systems from conventional spacecraft are their great length, variable configuration, and their ability to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. These features provide a variety of possible ways for using tethers in space. The problem of predicting abnormal situations that may arise during tether deployment is also significant. Tethers can be used to support space science by providing a mechanism for precision formation flying, fixed-baseline multi-point science observations, and for reaching regions of the upper atmosphere that were previously inaccessible.

• Space Tethers for Space Environment Research
• Novel Science Measurements Using Tether Technology
• Electrodynamic and Momentum Exchange Tether Propulsion
• Space Tether Modeling Techniques
• Space Elevators
• Tethers for Artificial Gravity
• Orbital Debris Removal by Tether
• Other Advanced Tether Concepts

Prof. Dr. Vladimir S. Aslanov
Guest Editor

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