Shuttle tethered satellite system development program

This paper contains an overview of the Shuttle Orbiter-based Tethered Satellite System which is being jointly developed by the United States of America and Italy. Operation of the system is described including interfaces with the orbiter and crew, and with the Johnson Space Center Mission Control Center and Payload Operations Control Center. A brief description is provided of the Tethered Satellite System hardware located in the orbiter cargo bay, scientific capabilities of the overall system, and subsystems required of the Italian satellite. The system orbital dynamics computer simulation model is summarized, and typical design reference mission parameters illustrated.