Simple Approach to Orbital Control Using Spinning Electrodynamic Tethers

A simple guidance equation for spinning electrodynamic tethers that can be used to provide approximate closed-loop guidance for orbital transfers was studied. A spinning tether system can utilize the electrodynamic Lorentz forces more effectively for maneuvers that require out-of-plane thrust forces. The added stability created by the centrifugal stiffening from the rotation of a flexible tether system makes spinning an atrractive method for enhancing electrodynamic tether system. The result showed that the efficiency of the hanging tether was slightly superior to a spinning tether for changing the semimajor axis.