A Novel Design and Optimization Method for an Electrodynamic Tether Deployment Mechanism

Abstract

In the field of active deorbiting technologies, the electrodynamic tether has garnered attention due to its cost-effectiveness, light weight, and low fuel consumption. In this study, to address the low success rate of the deployment mechanisms used in previous in-orbit experiments, a novel deployment mechanism with a size of 2 U and a weight 2.3 kg based on pusher motors is proposed. In order to achieve a smooth tether deployment without rupture and rebound, an optimization method was proposed for springs, and tether within the deployment mechanism. Finally, simulation and ground ejection experiment were conducted with the objective of deploying a 50-m tether. In the experiment, the top plate was ejected with a kinetic energy of 2.3 J, and the tether was successfully unfolded. The experimental results indicate that the device is capable of deploying a tether of at least 50 m, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimization method.