Theory and experiment of space electrodynamic tether systems

Abstract

This paper focuses on electrodynamic tether systems having conductive property in space.The complex dynamics and potential applications of electrodynamic tethers have gained more and more attention from academic researchers.The paper summarizes recent progress of space electrodynamic tether systems, including the principle of electro-dynamic tethers, mechanics modeling, dynamic behaviors, dynamics control, applications, orbital and the ground-based experiments.Some challenges in the fields are put forward for further studies.