ALBERT

Description: The principles involved in various applications of space tethers are discussed, with emphasis placed on tethers approved for flight on the US Shuttle. Special consideration is given to the NASA-Italy Tethered Satellite System (TSS) experiment, which will consist of three missions. The purposes of these missions and the types of experiments planned for the TSS are described. Other scientific applications of thether use in the fields of aeronomy and aerodynamics, geodynamics and remote sensing, electrodynamics, physics, astronomy, and life sciences are discussed together with particulars inolved in the measurements.

Description: For experimentation, space offers an environment which is unobtainable on earth. One characteristic is a gravity force less than 1 g, where g is the mean earth gravity acceleration of 9.8 m/sq s. The production of uniform gravity levels above zero g in space is discussed in relationship to experimental needs. For planetology experiments, providing gravity in space will make it possible to more nearly simulate conditions on natural bodies. The g-level is but one parameter involved in the design of a specific experiment. Other requirements may be: g-level range; g-level tolerance value; Coriolis tolerance value; volume requirement g-level duration; power and materials for the experiment; and automated or man-tended operations. These requirements, and certainly others, will dictate the type of facility which should be considered. The use of the Space Station of the Tethered Satellite System configurations is discussed.

Description: A collection of papers on the applications of tethers in space is presented. Tether flight experiments of the past, in planning stages, and in the future are examined. Tether dynamics and the applications and technical aspects of electrodynamic tethers are addressed. The use of tethers on the Space Station and applications in the Space Station era are considered. Individual tether technology issues, including tether materials and instrumentation for atmospheric measurements are discussed.

Description: In a constrained budgetary era under pressure to develop faster, better, and less expensive space projects, efforts to develop laser-beamed power for lunar and propulsion applications must first focus on defining near-term, commercially attractive deliverables that will demonstrate progress toward, and engender support for development of an operational laser-beamed earth-orbital propulsion/lunar power system.

Description: In this paper, a brief review is given of NASA's outer planet missions as performed with chemical propulsion systems. The Kuiper Express is discussed as an illustration of the integrated approach that should be used in mission and spacecraft design to maximize science return.

Description: The Tethers in Space Handbook, Second Edition represents an update to the initial volume issued in September 1986. As originally intended, this handbook is designed to serve as a reference manual for policy makers, program managers, educators, engineers, and scientists alike. It contains information for the uninitiated, providing insight into the fundamental behavior of tethers in space. For those familiar with space tethers, it includes a summary of past and ongoing studies and programs, a complete bibliography of tether publications, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of workers in the field. Perhaps its most valuable asset is the brief description of nearly 50 tether applications which have been proposed and analyzed over the past 10 years. The great variety of these applications, from energy generation to boosting satellites to gravity wave detection is an indication that tethers will play a significant part in the future of space development. This edition of the handbook preserves the major characteristics of the original; however, some significant rearrangements and additions have been made. The first section on Tether Programs has been brought up to date, and now includes a description of TSS-2, the aerodynamic NASA/Italian Space Agency (ASI) mission. Tether Applications follows, and this section has been substantially rearranged. First, the index and cross-reference for the applications have been simplified. Also, the categories have changed slightly, with Technology and Test changed to Aerodynamics, and the Constellations category removed. In reality, tether constellations may be applicable to many of the other categories, since it is simply a different way of using tethers. Finally, to separate out those applications which are obviously in the future, a Concepts category has been added. A new section included here on Conference Summaries recognizes the fact that the tether community is growing internationally, and that meetings provide a means of rapid communication and interaction. Finally, the Bibliography section has been considerably updated to include all known references. These are listed by author and by subject and include the papers to be presented at the Third International Conference in May 1989.

Description: Design options for tethered systems which can produce a variable gravity living environment in space are discussed. Parameters of rotating systems are reviewed, and early studies of rotating systems are recalled. Artificial gravity configurations are shown and their individual advantages and disadvantages are examined.