Abstract AAS 97-604

AAS 97-604

TETHER SLING SHOT ASSIST

E.L-M. Lanoix and A.K. Misra - McGill University

Abstract

A new space exploration technique, called Tether Sling Shot Assist (TSSA), is proposed for near-Earth asteroids sample return missions and outer planets missions. A spacecraft flying near an asteroid can attach itself to that asteroid using a space tether and an anchor device. After attachment, the velocity vector of the spacecraft relative to the asteroid is rotated, thereby changing its heliocentric velocity. The link to the anchoring device can then be severed and the spacecraft can reel the tether back for reuse. The results show that this technique leads to significant payload mass gains, especially in the case of multiple asteroid rendezvous missions.