Abstract
Most analyses of tethered satellite systems have been focused on the relative motion of the satellites either with respect to each other, or with respect to their center of mass. In this paper, we consider how the motion of one of the satellites in a two-body tethered system is perturbed by the presence of the other. This point of view is necessary if the orbits of the satellites in such a system are to be determined correctly when the fact that they are tethered is not known a priori. Rather general equations of motion for the satellites are derived. These equations are simplified by assuming planar motion. From the simplified equations, an expression for an “apparent” gravitational constant is derived. Then, the identification and state determination problem is addressed. Examples obtained using a conventional least-squares batch processor are discussed. It appears that a two-stage method, using both two-body and tethered satellite dynamic models, is a good way to identify and determine the states of some tethered satellite systems.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
BELETSKY, V. V., and LEVIN, E. V. “Dynamics of Space Tether Systems,” Advances in the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 83, American Astronautical Society, San Diego, California, 1993.
TSIOLKOVSKY, K.E. “Speculation Between Earth and Sky,” Isd-vo AN-SSR, 1895, p. 35 (reprinted in 1959).
MASON, R.G. (editor) Life in Science, Time-Life Books, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, 1983, p. 118.
COLOMBO, G., GAPOSCHKIN, E.M., GROSSI, M.D., and WEIFFENBACH, G.C. “The Skyhook: A Shuttle-borne Tool for Low Orbital Altitude Research,” Meccanica, Vol. 10, 1975, pp. 3–20.
RUPP, C. C., and LAUE, J. H. “Shuttle/Tethered Satellite System,” Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 26, No. 1, 1978, pp. 1–17.
BARNDS, W. J., COFFEY, S., PURDY, W., KELM, B., and DAVIS, M. “Results of the TiPS Tethered Satellite Experiment,” Paper No. AAS-97-600, AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Sun Valley, Idaho, August 1997.
KOPKE, K.D., SUCHAN, G.E., and HERDER, L.E. “Determining Allowable Regions of Motion for a Two-Mass Tethered System,” Paper No. AAS-93-737, AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Victoria, British Columbia, August 1993.
ALFRIEND, K.T., BARNDS, W.J., COFFEY, S., and STUHRENBERG, L.M. “Attitude and Orbit Determination of a Tethered Satellite System,” Paper No. AAS-95-351, AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 14–17, 1995.
CROCKETT, C. “Orbital Elements for Components of a Tethered Satellite Pair,” Paper No. AAS-87-451, AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Kalispell, Montana, August 1987.
CROCKETT, C., and MORRIS, R. V. “Impact of Space Shuttle Tethered Satellites on Missile Warning Systems,” DOA AM 84-1, AFSPACECOM, November 1984.
HOOTS, F.R., ROEHRICH, R., and SZEBEHELY, V. “Space Shuttle Tethered Satellite Analysis,” D06 TM 83-5, AFSPACECOM, Directorate of Astrodynamics, Peterson AFB, Colorado, August 1983.
KESSLER, S. M., and CICCI, D. A. “Orbit Determination of a Tethered Satellite,” Paper No. AAS-95-350, AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 1995.
ROY, A.E. Orbital Motion, Adam Hilger Ltd., Bristol, 1982.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cochran, J.E., Cho, S., Cheng, YM. et al. Dynamics and Orbit Determination of Tethered Satellite Systems. J of Astronaut Sci 46, 177–194 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546242
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03546242