On the dynamics and control of tethered satellite systems

The rigid body dynamics and control of the tether, subsatellite and space platform are analyzed, during deployment, stationkeeping and retrieval phases using the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach, accounting for the mass of the tether as well as a three dimensional offset of its point of attachment. The strategies employ tension in the tether line, thrusters, motion of the offset of the tether attachment point or their hybrid combinations. An assessment of the relative merit suggests the thruster-offset hybrid controller to be the most effective in damping given disturbances.