Abstract

A tether for joining objects in space by centripetal force has a modular architecture. The modular architecture facilitates the deployment of the tether by facilitating its transport into space as unassembled modular components and its assembly in situ, after the components have been transported. The modular architecture also facilitates it repair, modification, and disassembly in situ. More particularly, the modular tether has design features that enable its assembly, repair, modification, and/or disassembly in situ while the modular tether remains under tension, i.e., while the modular tether continues to perform its function of joining two or more objects by the application of centripetal force. The modular architecture also enables new tether modalities, e.g., a tensile strength modality, a winch modality, a tension monitoring modality, a repair state modality, a situational awareness modality, and a temperature control modality.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64G 4/00 - Tools specially adapted for use in space
• C30B 15/02 - Single-crystal growth by pulling from a melt, e.g. Czochralski method adding crystallising materials or reactants forming it in situ to the melt
• C30B 29/06 - Silicon
• C30B 15/20 - Controlling or regulating
• C30B 15/32 - Seed holders, e.g. chucks
• C30B 30/04 - Production of single crystals or homogeneous polycrystalline material with defined structure characterised by the action of electric or magnetic fields, wave energy or other specific physical conditions using magnetic fields
• C30B 35/00 - Apparatus not otherwise provided for, specially adapted for the growth, production or after-treatment of single crystals or of a homogeneous polycrystalline material with defined structure
• B64G 1/58 - Thermal protection, e.g. heat shields
• B64G 1/64 - Systems for coupling or separating cosmonautic vehicles or parts thereof, e.g. docking arrangements
• B66D 1/12 - Driving gear incorporating electric motors
• G01S 11/02 - Systems for determining distance or velocity not using reflection or reradiation using radio waves
• G01S 19/13 - Receivers
• B64G 1/10 - Artificial satellitesSystems of such satellitesInterplanetary vehicles
• G01P 15/18 - Measuring accelerationMeasuring decelerationMeasuring shock, i.e. sudden change of acceleration in two or more dimensions