Attitude dynamics of the Tether Elevator/Crawler System for micro-gravity applications
Vetrella, S ; Moccia, A ; Lorenzini, E. C. - ASI Sponsor
Jun - 1989

journal : AIAA PAPER

Volume : 89 ; Issue : 1590
type: Article Journal

Abstract
The Tether Elevator/Crawler System (TECS) consists of two end platforms tethered to opposite sides of the Space Station. A variable gravity laboratory is located on board an elevator which can crawl along the upper tether. This paper analyzes the elevator's attitude dynamics in order to evaluate its effect on microgravity applications. To this end, a simulation model is described and numerical results are given for a steady state case. It is shown that the elevator attitude dynamics, without attitude control, contributes additional spectral lines to the acceleration noise.

keywords : Attitude Control, Elevators (Lifts), Microgravity Applications, Rigid Structures, Space Stations, Tethering, Differential Equations, Digital Simulation, Discrete Functions, Mathematical Models, Noise Generators, Space Commercialization, Thermal Expansion

Notes : Research supported by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana and MPI.