Two dimensional tethered satellite attitude dynamics

Abstract

This paper discusses a simplified dynamical model of two-dimensional tethered satellite attitude motion (coning). The tether is assumed massless, inextensible, and long relative to the satellite dimension, and has no flexural rigidity. The satellite is assumed rigid, is constrained to planar motion, and the model includes a tension augmentation thruster. Problem formulation results in one second order differential equation which has one integral of motion that is not the system energy. Results of the analysis include methods of changing satellite rotational energy, the effects of changing the tether tension, and frequency/amplitude information.