Objective
An electrodynamic space tether is a kilometre-long, millimetre-thin, insulated wire connected to two masses in orbit and kept vertical by small gravity-gradient forces.
Electrodynamic tethers would use the motional electric field induced in orbit by the geomagnetic field for both technical and scientific applications. Recently a new concept has been introduced on electrodynamic tethers that solves the main problem facing its use: how to draw current efficiently from the low-density ionosphere.
The research to be carried out aims at the development of a tether based on the new concept, and the preparation for a tether space experiment as part of the Russian Volcano project. This should open the way to scientific and applied uses of electrodynamic tethers.
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
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28040 Madrid
Spain