A general dynamical model for the Space Shuttle based tethered subsatellite system

A general dynamical model for the Space Shuttle based tethered subsatellite system taking into account the offset between the centre of mass of the Shuttle and the point of attachment of the tether, the three dimensional librational motion, longitudinal and transverse vibrations of the continuous tether including straim variation along its length, eccentricity of the orbit and aerodynamic drag in a rotating atmosphere, is presented. The behaviour of the system is investigated by integrating the linearized nonautonomous equations of motion numerically. Effects of various system parameters on the librations and vibrations of the tether are determined.