Tether Experiment: PocketQube Deployed from a CubeSat

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of tethering small satellite types such as PocketQube and CubeSats to achieve system stability via gravity gradient torque. By doing so, collisions between the satellite pair can be prevented through sufficient tension between them. A preliminary design of a CubeSat mission, where a PocketQube is deployed from a 3U CubeSat, is presented. This baseline design shows basic calculations of system torque and 25 m-long tether tension. RF and optical communication between the satellites and imaging of the CubeSat from the PocketQube are additional technology experiments on the proposed mission.