Session
Weekend Poster Session 1
Location
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Abstract
Electrodynamic tethers have demonstrated to be effective for fuel-free de-orbiting or station-keeping for spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit. However, the effect of solar activity on the plasma environment around the tether is still an underestimated factor that can have a significant impact on the efficiency and viability of such systems. This study aims to enhance the understanding of tether system design by investigating the influence of solar conditions and space weather on critical parameters such as tether length and power requirements across different spacecraft sizes. The performance of tethers in space is significantly influenced by various environmental factors, including space weather phenomena such as Spread-F, geomagnetic storms, and ionospheric disturbances. The research assesses solar conditions encompassing Solar Maxima (F10.cm at 115), Solar Minima (F10.7cm at 69), and the 2015 solar storm (F10.cm at 250). Variations in solar activity caused changes in aerodynamic drag, impacting both tether design factors for its utility in de-orbiting and station-keeping. Elevated drag during periods of heightened solar activity needs increased thrust for station-keeping, resulting in bigger tether length and power consumption. Additionally, higher drag requires shorter tether lengths to achieve similar de-orbiting performance. These findings have important possibilities for mission planning and spacecraft design decisions, including the optimal tether length and power requirement.
Predicting Tether Performance Under Different Space Weather Conditions: A Guide for Mission Planning and Design Decisions
Utah State University, Logan, UT
Electrodynamic tethers have demonstrated to be effective for fuel-free de-orbiting or station-keeping for spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit. However, the effect of solar activity on the plasma environment around the tether is still an underestimated factor that can have a significant impact on the efficiency and viability of such systems. This study aims to enhance the understanding of tether system design by investigating the influence of solar conditions and space weather on critical parameters such as tether length and power requirements across different spacecraft sizes. The performance of tethers in space is significantly influenced by various environmental factors, including space weather phenomena such as Spread-F, geomagnetic storms, and ionospheric disturbances. The research assesses solar conditions encompassing Solar Maxima (F10.cm at 115), Solar Minima (F10.7cm at 69), and the 2015 solar storm (F10.cm at 250). Variations in solar activity caused changes in aerodynamic drag, impacting both tether design factors for its utility in de-orbiting and station-keeping. Elevated drag during periods of heightened solar activity needs increased thrust for station-keeping, resulting in bigger tether length and power consumption. Additionally, higher drag requires shorter tether lengths to achieve similar de-orbiting performance. These findings have important possibilities for mission planning and spacecraft design decisions, including the optimal tether length and power requirement.
