In-plane payload capture using tethers

This paper presents a study on utilising space tether technology for the rendezvous and capture of payloads. Tethers are advantageous in space applications due to their low weight and extreme length and significant mass savings may be obtained compared to conventional propulsion systems. However, there are some significant challenges that face the designer of such a system. This paper addresses some of these challenges: (1) Matching the position and velocity of the tether tip for rendezvous with an incoming payload, (2) prolonging the rendezvous manoeuvre to allow maximum time for successful docking of the payload, (3) design of a capture mechanism that allows for errors in the tether tip velocity, (4) control of the post-capture dynamics of the tether, and (5) safety and failsafe design concerns. This paper presents control laws and numerical analysis for each of these challenges and demonstrates the feasibility of payload capture using tether technology.