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Tether Transport System Study Summary Performed under Contract to Marshall Space Flight CenterThe main rationale for this study is to reduce the mission cost of transporting payloads to GEO. A two stage tether transport system was proposed for boosting payloads from LEO to GTO/GEO. The feasibility of the concept is addressed from the point of view of orbital mechanics and other principles of physics. The report presents the results of an engineering analysis that defines the system, major elements and subsystems, and assesses the feasibility (i.e., the technology readiness level) of designing and developing the system. Results indicate that significant cost savings can be realized over traditional upper stages within a few launches. Certain key technical issues, such as payload rendezvous and capture, need to be addressed in future studies. Advancements in certain technology areas, such as power generation and highly efficient propulsion systems, will have significant effects on the overall system design.
Document ID
19980202362
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Vonderwell, Dan
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Bangham, Mike
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Dionne, Heather
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Fleming, Beth
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Klus, Bill
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Herring, Karmel
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Suggs, Elton
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Walker, Larry
(Boeing Co. Huntsville, AL United States)
Lorenzini, Enrico
(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Cambridge, MA United States)
Cosmo, Mario L.
(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Cambridge, MA United States)
Kaiser, Markus
(Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Cambridge, MA United States)
Vestal, Linda
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Johnson, Les
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Carrington, Connie
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 18, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Tether Technology Interchange Meeting
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-39400
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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