Predicting the orbital lifetime of tethered satellite systems

Abstract

Two models of uncontrolled tethered systems—a lumped-mass model and an orbital element propagation model—are described. Feed-forward artificial neural network architecture and training are discussed. A network training algorithm and hybrid training approach are described and used to train two lifetime prediction networks: one for free tethers and one for upward-deployed tether-trailing satellites. The accuracy of network predictions is demonstrated.