Dynamics modelling and ground test of space nets

Flexible net, a new kind of future structure for advanced concepts in space exploration, has special potential application, such as capturing space debris and building huge antenna. A critical issue in the design and analysis of space net system is deployment modelling technology. As reliable tests cannot be performed under gravity, numerical analysis is necessary for the design of orbital capture. The dynamics behaviour of flexible net systems is investigated based on finite segment approach in this paper. The flexible net is modelled as a series of collected semi-damp springs with masses lumped at appropriated nodes. The motion equations of each tether node are developed with considering internal elastic force and external forces. The dynamics model has been verified by comparison with ground experiment, and used to investigate the deployment process in the orbital environment.