A review of space tether in new applications

Ever since the space tether was first proposed by Tsiolkovsky, it has been extensively utilized in space missions, for attitude stabilization, momentum exchange, and space elevators. Developments in engineering technology and changes in the space environment have diversified the current applications for the space tether. New applications for the space tether include the Tethered Space Robot, Tethered Space Net, and Tethered Spacecraft Formation. These are quickly being adapted for in-orbit maintenance such as fueling service, orbit maneuvering, and active space debris capture/removal. The flexibility and elasticity of the space tether lead to complex issues with tethered space systems, including the mechanics design, dynamics modeling and analysis, and control scheme design. In this paper, we review several new applications for the space tether during service in orbit, and research the on structure, dynamics, and control of each application. This review is conducted to provide an overall summary of the space tether for On-Orbit Servicing, and further the conversation regarding possible research interests in the future.