A review of tether induced dynamical features

The simplest mathematical model used for the simulation of TSS motion is considered in order to review the dynamics of tethers. This model is discussed. Also reviewed are elasticity effects, perturbation sources, orbit eccentricity and natural frequencies. Tethered systems provide a unique opportunity for skilled measurement activities in space. Some of the experiments envisaged require the measurement of very small mechanical quantities. This implies that the level of dynamical noise on instruments output be low or that system response to excitation, either external or internal, be sufficiently known. In this respect, the first TSS flights will be very useful, but much work will be needed in order to have reliable estimates of structural damping in different future systems.