Space Debris Removal using a Tether: A Model

Abstract

Focused on the removal of space debris, this paper studies the modeling of a target satellite connected to a chaser satellite by a tether. All dynamic couplings between the flexible and rigid modes of the satellites are accounted for. The tether attached to both satellites is modeled as a massless spring when stretched and non-existent when compressed. The objective of this work is to model the behaviour of the three bodies: chaser, tether, and target in the orbital reference frame for arbitrary initial conditions of the target satellite. Simulations of the whole system including the chaser Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS) are performed to evaluate its ability to damp the debris tumbling motion and to tow the debris.