Tethered Satellite Systems Missions: Survey and Active Debris Removal Applications
Abstract
Tethered satellite systems have been extensively studied for a wide range of space applications, including formation flying, propellant-less propulsion, and spacecraft capture. This thesis provides a comprehensive review of tethered satellite missions and applications, with particular focus on active debris removal (ADR). The first part of the thesis presents a chronological survey of tether missions from the beginning of the space era to 2024, including both flown missions and future concepts. Each mission is analysed qualitatively and quantitatively through parameters such as launch year, orbital characteristics, payload mass, and tether properties. The study identifies the evolution of tether missions over time: while earlier missions involved large payloads and long tethers, recent developments focus mainly on lightweight CubeSat-based missions developed in academic environments. The thesis also examines the relationship between mission objectives and orbital configurations, highlighting how certain tether applications are better suited to specific orbital regimes. The main contribution of this section is the creation of one of the most complete and up-to-date surveys of tether missions together with a comparative analysis of their characteristics and trends. The second part of the thesis focuses on tether applications for active debris removal. Different tether-based and non-tether-based approaches are reviewed and compared, discussing their advantages, limitations, and technological maturity. Particular attention is given to net capture systems and electrodynamic tether removal methods, which emerge as especially promising solutions. The original contribution of this section is the survey and assessment of tether-based ADR techniques and their potential for future space missions.