Experiments and numerical simulations of an electrodynamic tether deployment from a spool-type reel using thrusters

The amount of space debris is ever increasing, and pollution of the space environment has become a serious problem that can no longer be ignored. Consequently, the active removal of large space debris from crowded economically useful orbits should begin as soon as possible. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has been investigating an active debris removal system that employs highly efficient electrodynamic tether (EDT) technology for orbital transfer. This study investigates the tether deployment from a spool-type reel using thrusters by means of numerical simulations of an EDT system. The thrusters are used in order to ensure the deployment of a tether with the length of several kilometers. In the simulations using a multiple mass tether model, the key parameters are estimated from various on-ground experiments. By means of the numerical simulations, the dynamics of tether deployment is studied and requirements of thruster needed for the deployment, such as the thrust forces and the periods of thruster activation, are clarified.     

Tethers and debris mitigation

In recent years, the use of tethers has been proposed for reduction of space debris either through momentum transfer or use of electrodynamic effects. Tethers have been shown to at least theoretically allow for quick, elegant and cost-effective deorbit of defunct satellites or spent stages. On the other hand, the large risk that tethers themselves may pose to other satellites in orbit has been recognized as well. The large collision area of tethers, combined with operational hazards and meteoroid risk may result in a large orbital exposure. For example, in 1997, the ESA/Dutch 35-km tether deployment of YES from TEAMSAT was inhibited after an analysis of the collision risk for the case the tether operation would fail. The question rises how these two points of view compare to eachother. This paper intends to highlight a representative selection of the proposed tether applications while taking into account the added risks caused by the tethers themselves.Typical applications from recent literature will be briefly described, such as an Ariane 502 spent stage re-entry from GTO and the concept of deboost of defunct satellites by interaction of a conductive tether with the Earth magnetic field.Mass savings of the tethered sytems versus conventional equivalents will be evaluated.Based on a crude risk analysis, involving elements such as mission complexity, dynamic stability, meteoroid risk and orbital life time, a general outline of limiting factors can be given for the various applications. Special attention is reserved for implementation of mechanisms that help reduce this tether risk, such as the DUtether (Tether Degradable by Ultraviolet), utilization of airdrag and solar pressure, the effect of residual current in bare tethers, tether retrieval etc.It is proposed how a net tether-induced mitigation can be compared to that of conventional alternatives, i.e. deboost by rocket engine or a completely passive approach.This comparison is put in the perspective of an ever-increasing occupation of the space environment.It is concluded that tethers can in fact help mitigate the debris risk and that for each application a useful niche can be defined. It is argued that eliminating pollution directly after use of the precious resource of space is not only good custom, but also an important way to make the risk of debris controllable and independent of future trends. Although tethers may have large exposure in terms of area-time product, they deliver a quick cleaning service that may be appreciated by the future users of space.     

考虑太阳帆板振动的空间绳系拖曳动力学与控制

针对使用空间绳网捕获带有太阳帆板等柔性附件的大型失效航天器的碎片清除任务,充分考虑了拖曳过程中柔性附件产生的振动对系统的稳定造成的影响.首先采用凯恩方法建立了失效航天器绳系拖曳系统动力学模型,在建模过程中充分考虑系绳的质量和振动、帆板的振动、系统的轨道运动对姿态的影响等,使动力学模型更加详细和完整,且该动力学模型不受失...     

Benefits and risks of using electrodynamic tethers to de-orbit spacecraft

By using electrodynamic drag to greatly increase the orbital decay rate, an electrodynamic space tether can remove spent or dysfunctional spacecraft from low Earth orbit (LEO) rapidly and safely. Moreover, the low mass requirements of such tether devices make them highly advantageous compared to conventional rocket-based de-orbit systems. However, a tether system is much more vulnerable to space debris impacts than a typical spacecraft and its design must be proved to be safe up to a certain confidence level before being adopted for potential applications. To assess space debris related concerns, in March 2001 a new task (Action Item 19.1) on the “Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Electrodynamic Tethers for End-of-life De-orbit of LEO Spacecraft” was defined by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC). Two tests were proposed to compute the fatal impact rate of meteoroids and orbital debris on space tethers in circular orbits, at different altitudes and inclinations, as a function of the tether diameter to assess the survival probability of an electrodynamic tether system during typical de-orbiting missions. IADC members from three agencies, the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), participated in the study and different computational approaches were specifically developed within the framework of the IADC task. This paper summarizes the content of the IADC AI 19.1 Final Report. In particular, it introduces the potential benefits and risks of using tethers in space, it describes the assumptions made in the study plan, it compares and discusses the results obtained by ASI, JAXA and NASA for the two tests proposed. Some general conclusions and recommendations are finally extrapolated from this massive and intensive piece of research.     

Study on electrodynamic tether system for space debris removal

As a countermeasure for suppressing space debris growth (P. Eighler, A. Bade, Chain Reaction of Debris Generation by Collisions in Space—A Final Threat to Spaceflight? in: 40th Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, IAA-89-628, October 1989), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan is investigating a satellite capture, repair and removal system for non-cooperative satellites, part of which involves assessing the viability of electrodynamic tether (EDT) technology as an orbital transfer system. In this paper, some results concerning the time required to remove existing satellites, the behavior of flexible tethers during the debris separation phase, and orbital transfer strategies of EDT systems during space debris removal operations are described. From numerical simulations, it is found that EDT systems can transfer satellites from LEO to orbits with a short lifetime within a realistic timeframe. It is also found that the stability of EDT systems is compromised when debris separation occurs both while a tether current is running and when the ratio of the end mass to that of the service satellite is high. To ensure stability, the end mass should be selected from the target debris group with due regard for the maximum possible mass that can be maneuvered safely. Moreover, it is also found that orbital elements (a, e, i) can be changed independently with an adequate current control strategy.     

空间柔性绳网多碎片捕获动力学研究

随着空间碎片数量的增加,其对近地轨道中的在轨卫星产生越来越严重的威胁,空间多碎片的高效清理在近年来也成为了学界关注的热点问题。针对柔性绳网在一次任务中同时对多个碎片进行捕获清理的问题,建立了柔性绳网的动力学模型和与碎片接触动力学模型,并对捕获过程中柔性绳网与碎片的运动进行了仿真模拟。针对绳网的最大拉伸力、质量块位移速度等变量,深入分析捕获过程中绳网与碎片的运动特性。数值仿真结果表明,在一次任务中,柔性绳网可以对多个旋转空间碎片进行捕获,并实现稳定的包裹缠绕,展示了柔性绳网良好的捕获能力。     

Between a celestial body and a spacecraft: Making the space elevator a success

The space elevator will operate in near-Earth space, under the attraction of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun. It will have to avoid collisions with active satellites, with space debris and with meteoroids, not counting other minor adverse phenomena. The exceedingly long cable cannot be a passive and limp body. It must be an active part of the elevator, withstanding lunisolar and other perturbations threatening its stability. The cable must have sensors and thrusters at appropriate locations along the cable. Sensors would serve for detection of objects on a collision course and thrusters for station-keeping and for initiating evasive manoeuvres. Adaptive control must be used for that purpose. Extensive series of numerical simulations will have to be performed to ascertain that the elevator is stable and that possible oscillations do not interfere with the main function of the elevator.     

Conceptualizing an economically,legally, and politically viable active debris removal option

It has become increasingly clear in recent years that the issue of space debris, particularly in low-Earth orbit, can no longer be ignored or simply mitigated. Orbital debris currently threatens safe space flight for both satellites and humans aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, orbital debris might impact Earth upon re-entry, endangering human lives and damaging the environment with toxic materials. In summary, orbital debris seriously jeopardizes the future not only of human presence in space, but also of human safety on Earth. While international efforts to mitigate the current situation and limit the creation of new debris are useful, recent studies predicting debris evolution have indicated that these will not be enough to ensure humanity?s access to and use of the near-Earth environment in the long-term. Rather, active debris removal (ADR) must be pursued if we are to continue benefiting from and conducting space activities. While the concept of ADR is not new, it has not yet been implemented. This is not just because of the technical feasibility of such a scheme, but also because of the host of economic, legal/regulatory, and political issues associated with debris remediation. The costs of ADR are not insignificant and, in today?s restrictive fiscal climate, are unlikely/to be covered by any single actor. Similarly, ADR concepts bring up many unresolved questions about liability, the protection of proprietary information, safety, and standards. In addition, because of the dual use nature of ADR technologies, any venture will necessarily require political considerations. Despite the many unanswered questions surrounding ADR, it is an endeavor worth pursuing if we are to continue relying on space activities for a variety of critical daily needs and services. Moreover, we cannot ignore the environmental implications that an unsustainable use of space will imply for life on Earth in the long run. This paper aims to explore some of these challenges and propose an economically, politically, and legally viable ADR option. Much like waste management on Earth, cleaning up space junk will likely lie somewhere between a public good and a private sector service. An international, cooperative, public-private partnership concept can address many of these issues and be economically sustainable, while also driving the creation of a proper set of regulations, standards and best practices.     

YES2 optimal trajectories in presence of eccentricity and aerodynamic drag

YES2 (launching 2007) aims to demonstrate a tether-assisted re-entry concept, whereby payload will be returned to Earth using momentum provided from a swinging tether. Deployment takes place in two phases: (1) deployment of 3.5 km of tether to the local vertical and hold, and (2) deployment to 30 km for a swinging cut. Optimal trajectories are determined for both phases after comparing the effect of different cost functions on the deployment dynamics. Closed-loop control is provided by linearizing the dynamics around the optimal trajectories and solving a receding horizon control problem for a set of linear feedback gains. The controllers are tested in a flexible tether model with large disturbances to the hardware model and environmental variables. Closed-loop simulations show that the system can be controlled quite well using only feedback of length and length rate.     

天基照相跟踪空间碎片批处理轨道确定研究

随着国内外天基观测空间碎片研究的展开,文章提出了利用跟踪卫星的CCD(Charge
Coupled Device)相机对空间碎片进行轨道探测的方法,首先建立了CCD照相观测模型和基于 照相观测 的空间碎片批处理轨道确定模型。通过对CCD相机底片归算方法的分析可知,利用
CCD相机所获得的观测数据与跟踪卫星的姿态无关,且其精度只与测量和坐标转换计算的精 度有关,在测量和计算中可获得较高的精度。分别对分布密度较高的低轨道和地球同步 轨道区域的空间碎片进行了定轨分析。仿真结果表明,定轨时采用两个跟踪弧段的照相数据 定轨精度大大高于一个弧段照相数据的定轨精度;跟踪卫星距离空间碎片越近,定轨精度越 高;低轨道空间碎片的定轨精度高于地球同步轨道上的空间碎片定轨精度。
     

大型空间结构的自适应控制

本文将Bar-Kana等人的模型参考自适应控制法(MRAC)用于柔性结构的自适应控制中,原方法要求系统的输入维数等于输出维数。对于柔性的大型空间结构(LSS),观测量的数目往往大于输入量的数目。本文采用组合LSS各观测点的信号,形成综合输出矢量Y_P,以满足自适应控制系统中,用较少的控制输入达到控制LSS结构中较多观测点的要求。为了克服跟踪误差,本文建议用最优返馈增益阵作为输出阵C_P,并采用LQR理论以求C_P。 本文将大型空间结构的实例简化成离散模型,进行模拟计算,计算结果说明系统有较好的跟踪特性,当LSS的柔度变化较大时,系统具有跟踪的鲁棒性。     

General dynamics of a large class of flexible satellite systems

The paper presents a general formulation for librational dynamics of satellites with an arbitrary number, type and orientation of deploying flexible appendages. In particular, the case of beam-type flexible appendages deploying from a satellite in an arbitrary orbit is considered. The governing nonlinear, nonautonomous and coupled equations for vibration of the appendages and libration of the satellite are integrated numerically. Several cases of practical importance are considered making the system progressively more general and hence complex: (i) planar case representing pitch and appendage oscillations in the orbital plane; (ii) general attitude motion with planar vibrations of flexible members; (iii) above two cases together with the out-of-plane component of vibrations. Results show that under critical combinations of the system parameters the combined effect of flexibility and deployment can be substantial.     

Tether satellite system collision study

A study was performed to determine the probability of collision with resident space objects and untrackable debris for the tether component of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS) after it broke away from the space shuttle orbiter (mission STS-75) in February 1996. Both an analytical and a numerical approach were used in this study, and the results obtained with these two methods were found to be in good agreement. These results show that the deployed tether is expected to have been impacted by several particles 0.1 mm or larger in size. The probability of collision with objects 10 cm in size or larger was on the order of 10⁻³ per month. Since the severed tether reentered within one month after deployment, the collision hazard to other objects while in orbit was small. The analytical methods used in this study are general and can be applied to future tether collision evaluations.     

Chaotic oscillations of spacecraft with an elastic radially oriented tether

A mechanical system consisting of a spacecraft with weightless elastic tether and load is considered in the paper. The spacecraft motion under the action of tensile force of a radially oriented tether is investigated. It is shown that elastic tether oscillations can result in appearance of chaotic modes of spacecraft motion. By means of the Melnikov method a condition is obtained, allowing one to determine the measure of damping sufficient for prevention of these chaotic modes. The influence of system’s mass-geometric and elastic characteristics on the form of phase portrait and on the value of periodic disturbance, caused by oscillations of the elastic vertical tether, is studied.     

基于拉索的航天器挠性部件在轨增频技术研究

航天器上的太阳电池阵等挠性部件基频较低、低频模态密集,可能会与器上活动部件产生耦合和共振,对航天器姿态及载荷工作等产生不良影响。针对此问题,文章提出用主动张紧拉索装置来调节挠性部件的频率。在调研国内外技术的基础上,分析了悬臂梁模型中支撑刚度对系统模态的影响,建立拉索增频的动力学模型并进行仿真;依据原理性试验仿真结果,设计了器上增频机构,并完成了相关地面试验验证和在轨飞行验证。本研究对于航天器挠性部件的增频和错频等技术措施的实施具有参考价值。     

Magnetobraking for Mars return vehicles

It is proposed that magnetobraking may be used to dissipate hyperbolic excess velocity from a spacecraft returning from Mars to Earth orbit. In magnetobraking, an electrodynamic tether is deployed from the spacecraft. The Earth's magnetic field produces a force on electrical current in the tether, which can be used to either brake or accelerate the spacecraft without expenditure of reaction mass. The peak acceleration on the Mars return is 0.007 m/s², and the amount of braking possible is dependent on the density and current-carrying capacity of the tether, but is independent of length. Since energy is produced as the spacecraft velocity decreases, no on-board power source is required. As the spacecraft approaches the Earth, the magnetic field increases and the power produced by the tether increases, reaching a maximum of about 800 W per kg of spacecraft mass at closest approach.     

Ground assisted rendezvous with geosynchronous satellites for the disposal of space debris by means of Earth-oriented tethers

Previous studies have shown that extended length Earth-oriented tethers in the geosynchronous (GEO) region can be used to re-orbit satellites to disposal orbits. One such approach involves the extension of a GEO based tether, collection of a debris object, and retraction of the tether, which transfers the retracted configuration to a higher energy orbit for debris disposal. The re-extension of the tether after debris disposal returns the configuration to the near-GEO altitude. The practical feasibility of such a system depends on the ability to collect GEO debris objects, attach them to a deployed tether system, and retract the tethers for transfer to the disposal orbits.This study addresses the collection and delivery of debris objects to the deployed tether system in GEO. The investigation considers the number, type and the characteristics of the debris objects as well as the collection tug that can be ground controlled to detect, rendezvous and dock with the debris objects for their delivery to the tethers system.A total of more than 400 objects are in drift orbits crossing all longitudes either below or above the geostationary radius. More than 130 objects are also known to librate around the stable points in GEO with periods of libration up to five or more years. A characterization of the position and velocity of the debris objects relative to the collection tug is investigated. Typical rendezvous performance requirements for uncooperative GEO satellites are examined, and the similarities with other approaches such as the ESA's CX-OLEV commercial mission proposal to extend the life of geostationary telecommunication satellites are noted.     

Overview of the legal and policy challenges of orbital debris removal

Much attention has been paid recently to the issue of removing human-generated space debris from Earth orbit, especially following conclusions reached by both NASA and ESA that mitigating debris is not sufficient, that debris-on-debris and debris-on-active-satellite collisions will continue to generate new debris even without additional launches, and that some sort of active debris removal (ADR) is needed. Several techniques for ADR are technically plausible enough to merit further research and eventually operational testing. However, all ADR technologies present significant legal and policy challenges which will need to be addressed for debris removal to become viable. This paper summarizes the most promising techniques for removing space debris in both LEO and GEO, including electrodynamic tethers and ground- and space-based lasers. It then discusses several of the legal and policy challenges posed, including: lack of separate legal definitions for functional operational spacecraft and non-functional space debris; lack of international consensus on which types of space debris objects should be removed; sovereignty issues related to who is legally authorized to remove pieces of space debris; the need for transparency and confidence-building measures to reduce misperceptions of ADR as anti-satellite weapons; and intellectual property rights and liability with regard to ADR operations. Significant work on these issues must take place in parallel to the technical research and development of ADR techniques, and debris removal needs to be done in an environment of international collaboration and cooperation.     

基于多柔体动力学的飞行器多目标优化设计

研究了柔性航天器总体设计中基于结构与姿态控制的多目标优化问题。利用拉格朗日 方程建立了刚柔耦合系统动力学模型,提出以附件质量和微分矩阵最大实特征值为目标函数 的多目标优化问题;采用非支配排序进化求解算法（NSGA-II）,对某柔性航天器进行了多目 标优化分析设计;最优决策为具有一定规律性的空间曲线,该优化结果对柔性卫星的总体分 析设计具有一定的指导意义。
     

三轴气浮台挠性航天器动力学模拟方法研究

本文研究利用气浮台上的动量轮执行机构,模拟卫星上挠性附件振动产生的干扰力矩的卫星物理仿真实验方法,以克服三轴气浮台不能直接安装挠性附件进行仿真的局限性.本实验方法通过设计一个跟踪控制器,令气浮台的姿态角速度跟踪挠性卫星参考动力学,并由动量轮产生控制力矩,该力矩即是实验模拟的挠性振动干扰力矩.理论和仿真研究表明:(1)本文提出的挠性干扰力矩模拟方法可以较好地模拟低阶挠性振动干扰力矩;(2)理论上当控制器的增益参数越大,系统能够模拟的干扰力矩频率就越大,但是由于测量噪声的影响,反馈增益不能选得过大;(3)本方法模拟的干扰力矩与真实干扰力矩存在一定的相位延迟,这是由于控制器和执行机构的固有延迟造成的.通过引入超前-滞后校正网络可以有效减小延迟的影响.