Preliminary investigation of dynamic control of a single tethered satellite system using a tether crawler

The preliminary investigation of the inclusion of a tether crawler in a free-flying tethered system consisting of a mother-daughter pair is presented. Data showing the effects of specific motion of the crawler on the system and the potential use of the crawler as a control actuator are provided. Computer simulation has been carried out, using a bead model for the tether. Preliminary results indicate the feasibility of adding the tether crawler to the system. They show that crawler movement along the tether induces a disturbance which could counteract vibrations of the tether.<
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