Space tether research at the University of Stuttgart

Abstract

Space tether research activities at the University date back to the 1990s. First research projects investigated tether-assisted re-entry of payload return capsules from space stations. Tether research was resumed in 2015 focusing on the application of tethered planetary exploration rovers, based on the micro-rover Nanokhod. This includes robust, highly-integrated and miniaturised tethers and tether spooling systems, which are specifically adapted to the challenging lunar environmental and dust conditions. For this, several prototypes were developed and tested and a tether-dust testing facility was setup. In addition, developments have been made in the tether detection by creating a simulation framework, tracking algorithms and low-fidelity test bench for the verification of the algorithms. Based on the experience of the planetary tether applications, the research at the University of Stuttgart was expanded to Tethered Satellite Systems in 2022, utilising the tether spooling technology. In-depth studies on tethered CubeSat missions were developed together with students as part of educational activities, including tethered rendezvous capabilities and electrodynamic tether operation. In addition, breadboard models of optical detection and tracking payloads were developed for tracking a CubeSat sized object at full tether deployment of 100m. Additional subsystem development is currently in progress, consolidating the results of the mission studies, as well as dynamic analyses and simulations of the tethered satellite system. Concurrently, a third tether application research area was established, looking into studies for creating tether-based spaceflight infrastructure for lunar exploration missions. A concept study of a Momentum Exchange Tether system to transfer large payloads from Low Earth Orbit to a lunar transfer orbit was conducted and feasible tether system configurations were drafted. Various technological and operational challenges were identified and are now the focus of ongoing Momentum Exchange Tether research at the University of Stuttgart.