Marshall Technical Reports Server

Space Tethers: Design Criteria

NASA/TM-108537, Tomlin, D.D. and Faile, G.C. and Hayashida, K.B. and Frost, C.L. and Wagner, C.Y. and Mitchell, M.L. and Vaughn, J.A. and Galuska, M.J., Space Tethers: Design Criteria, Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Science and Engineering Directorate. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, July 1997, pp. 20, Format(s): PDF 159k

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This document is prepared to provide a systematic process for the selection of tethers for space applications. Criteria are provided for determining the strength requirement for tether missions and for mission success from tether severing due to micrometeoroids and orbital debris particle impacts. Background information of materials for use in space tethers is provided, including electricity-conducting tethers. Dynamic considerations for tether selection is also provided. Safety, quality, and reliability considerations are provided for a tether project
Keywords:space tethers, tether strength, design criteria, tether materials
CASI Document ID Number:97N26173
Subjects:Astronautics: Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
ID Code:377
Deposited On:03 July 2002