TAGS II: Tether Electrodynamic Spinup and Survivability Experiment (TESSX)

ORBITEC, working in cooperation with The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), and others, proposes to develop TAGS II: Tether Electrodynamic Spinup and Survivability Experiment (TESSX). TESSX is a spinning tethered space system, consisting of two end masses separated by an electrodynamic tether. TESSX is believed to be a critically important step in the evolution of several tether applications, addressing: tether electrodynamics; tether survivability and safety; tether deployment, management and tracking; multi-amp current collection and emission; and system deployment and spin-up. The resulting TESSX hardware, software, analysis and other technologies will have direct application to the Tethered Artificial Gravity Spacecraft (TAGS), Tether Reboost System (TRS) and Momentum-eXchange Electrodynamic Reboost (MXER) for in-space propulsion, and other tethered systems. The Phase II program will draw on the successful results of the Phase I work and include: the development and delivery to NASA of a multi-strand computer controlled tether deployment system; detailed TESSX systems dynamics and electrodynamics analysis and experimental verification; development of a detailed and optimized TESSX architecture, compatible with ELV constraints; a Phase III TESSX cost analysis and development plan; and commercial applications planning.