Analytical Evaluation of Orbit Transfer Performance of Hybrid Tether System from LEO to GEO

概要

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This study presents an analysis that seeks to optimize the performance of a LEO-GEO Orbit Transfer System using tethers. We propose a new rotational tether transfer system with an electrodynamic tether (EDT) for orbit transfer from LEO to GEO. The EDT is used for orbit restoration to the initial orbit after release of the payload. The EDT can be propelled without propellant, so the total system mass is expected to be much lower than that of a conventional system with ion thrusters for orbit restoration. In addition, a balance tether is also used as a rotational tether so that the EDT can be attached to the platform, and the center of mass of a balance-tether system is on the platform when the payload is not attached. For transfer from GTO to GEO, we compared three types of transfer system: chemical propulsion; ion thrusters; and a rotational tether. The results of the mission analysis show that the EDT-balance tether hybrid system can reduce total system mass by almost 30% compared to an ion thruster-balance tether combination for the same mission. The results also show that there is an optimum mission interval for each transfer method from GTO to GEO.
2009-02-04