Satellite connected by means of a long tether to a powered spacecraft
US4097010A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/648
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
There is disclosed a system by which a satellite is connected by means of a long tether, typically a wire 100 km or more in length, to a powered spacecraft. The spacecraft may be the Space Shuttle, and two basic equilibrium positions of the system are discussed. The wire is gradually released from a storage drum aboard the powered spacecraft, and the gravity gradient established along with atmospheric drag provide the force for deployment. The system can be used repeatedly by reeling back onto the drum. The wire, once deployed, can then be left in orbit for use in future shuttle missions and (once reeled back) can be returned to earth for repair or replacement. The tethered system finds utilization in the broad areas of upper atmosphere measurements, gravity gradient measurements and radio physics research.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.