Analysis of Tethers in Sampling Near Earth Objects

Abstract

This study investigated the feasibility of a SAIC proposal to sample Near Earth Objects (NEOs) from an orbiting spacecraft using a tethered landing device. The parameters for suitable targets were derived from an analysis of a proposed point design as applied to current knowledge of NEOs. Tether strength and lifetime for the point design were also assessed. First order modeling of tether dynamics showed that deployment and attachment to a NEO are feasible. The dynamics of retrieving a sample via a crawler unit which crawls up the tether requires further exploration.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA327903

Entities

People

  • John W. Wong

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Angular Momentum
  • Aphelions
  • Apogees
  • Earth Orbits
  • Electric Propulsion
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Measurement
  • Payload
  • Perihelions
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Objects
  • Space Stations
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Transfer Orbits

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Space Objects