Deployment and retrieval simulation of a single tether satellite system

The Getaway Tether Experiment (GATE) is a single-tether satellite system for the study of tether dynamics and electrodynamic technology. One goal of GATE is to measure and control tether disturbances such as those induced by micrometeorite impact, using an active reel type deployer that can retrieve and deploy the tether. A computer simulation of the retrieval and deployment characteristics is essential in properly designing a closed-loop controller for the tethered system. A simulation of a single-tether system has been written which allows the tether to be actively reeled in (retrieval) or passively reeled out (deployment) of the mother subsatellite. Simulation results are presented which show the effects of retrieval and deployment on the system. Three cases are considered: exponential retrieval rate, constant retrieval rate, and pulsed deployment.<>