A THREE-MASS RETRIEVAL STUDY FOR THE GEMINI TETHERED ASTRONAUT.
Abstract
A mathematical model is developed and used to investigate the feasibility of a three-mass retrieval technique considered for a future Gemini extravehicular operation. The technique consists of an astronaut moving along a tetherline connected between the Gemini spacecraft and an 'anchor mass' in space. The mathematical model is obtained by writing the rotational equations of motion for a rigid body spacecraft, the translational equations of motion for a 'point-mass' man and a 'point-mass' anchor, and the equations of constraint relating the distance between the Gemini spacecraft, the astronaut, and the anchor mass. The trajectories of the astronaut and the anchor mass with respect to the spacecraft, the forces of constraint on the astronaut, and the angular-velocity components of the spacecraft are determined by solving the equations using various initial conditions for the astronaut, the anchor mass, and the spacecraft. Line-wrap, excessive spacecraft rotation rates, and excessive terminal velocities of the astronaut cause the retrieval technique to be considered unacceptable. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0622033
Entities
People
- Corrado R. Poli
- Ernest P. Hanavan Jr.