Electrodynamic tether and method of use

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6116544
SERIAL NO

08929271

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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The present invention comprises an electrodynamic tether structure and a method of use. The structure of the tether taught by the present invention is a short, wide, interconnected multiwire (compared to the long, narrow single wires of the prior art) conductive tether whose area maximizes electrodynamic drag while simultaneously minimizing the Area-Time-Product swept by the tether during its operating life. The preferred tether length is two kilometers to five kilometers. The preferred tether mass is one percent to five percent of the spacecraft mass. The method of operation comprises orienting the tether structure at an angle to the local vertical to maximize electrodynamic drag on the host spacecraft and minimize tether instability. The angle of 35.26 degrees is preferred.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • TETHERS UNLIMITED, INC.

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Forward, Robert L Houston, TX 16 204
Hoyt, Robert P Seattle, WA 8 129

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