Publication Date:
2013-08-31
Description:
Electrodynamic tethers hold promise for a variety of space applications. Electrodynamic tethers depend upon the interactions between a moving insulated conductor and the Earth's magnetic field. An electric field is generated along the tether as in a conductor moving in the magnetic field of a generator. If the circuit is closed to the ambient space plasma via a plasma gun or other equivalent device, a current is enabled to flow in the tether, and electric power is generated at the expense of orbital mechanical energy. The net effect is a decrease in the altitude of the orbiting tethered system. The situation can be reversed by driving current against the electric field via an external power supply such as a photovoltaic array.
Keywords:
SPACECRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE
Type:
Space Photovoltaic Research and Technology 1986. High Efficiency, Space Environment and Array Technology; p 343
Format:
application/pdf
