Electrical model and optimal design scheme for low work-function tethers in thrust mode

• Published in: Aerospace science and technology Vol. 96; p. 105519
• Main Authors: Sánchez-Arriaga, G., Sanmartín, J.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01.01.2020

A low work-function tether (LWT), a subclass of bare electrodynamic tether made of a conductor partially coated with a low work function material, can exchange momentum and energy with planetary magnetospheres without any consumable. If fed by an onboard power source to reverse the natural direction...