On the attitude control of an electrodynamic tether system interacting with near-Earth plasma

Abstract

The problem of attitude stabilization of the space electrodynamic tether system (EDTS) in a local vertical position is considered. EDTS includes a negatively charged collector at the lower end of the tether and a positively charged collector at the upper end. The magnitude of the negative charge is controllable. The interaction of charged collectors with near-Earth plasma is analyzed.