In-orbit experimentation with the Small Expendable-Tether Deployment SystemThe Small Expendable-Tether Deployment System (SEDS) is a light-weight deployer capable of deploying instrumented packages and other tethered payloads up to a distance of 20 km. The system is simple and inexpensive because it does not retrieve the tethered payloads. The deployer is attached to the second stage of a Delta II which acts as a stabilized platform for the deployment of tethered payloads. SEDS is particularly suitable for complementing the Tethered Satellite missions by providing a flexible system for experimenting with the tether-in-space technology. SEDS can also provide a convenient way for testing instruments and/or procedures which require the use of long tethers.
Document ID
19910029140
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lorenzini, Enrico C. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA, United States)
Carroll, Joseph A. (Tether Applications San Diego, CA, United States)