Operations With Tethered Space Vehicles

Basically, two modes of tethered space-
vehicle operations were explored in the
Gemini Program. One mode of operation
consisted of intentionally inducing an angular velocity in the tethered system by translational thrusting with the spacecraft pro-
pulsion system. The other mode involved
tethered, drifting flight during which the
effect. of gravity gradient on the motion of
the system was o 'interest. These two modes
of tethered-vehicle operation will be individually discussed.