Tension sensor for tethered satellites

The design, construction, and testing of a tension sensor for sensing tension in a flexible tether connecting two orbiting satellites are presented. The analog sensor measures the tension profiles for deployment, retrieval, and disturbances of the tethered satellite system. The test results (linearity, bias, and drift) from the laboratory model indicate that the sensor is suitable for in-flight measurements with a minimum of peripheral upkeep/maintenance by the attitude control computer.<
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