Dynamics of Tethered Satellites and Space Elevators
- 1st Edition - July 1, 2026
- Latest edition
- Authors: Arun K. Misra, Stephen Cohen
- Language: English
Since the key concept of the space elevator first appeared, tethered space systems have generated much curiosity and interest. Modern-day developments in engineering technology and… Read more
Since the key concept of the space elevator first appeared, tethered space systems have generated much curiosity and interest. Modern-day developments in engineering technology and changes in the space environment have made these technologies a not-so distant reality, although not without the need for further research to be carried out.
Dynamics of Tethered Satellites and Space Elevators aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the subject. Written by two widely recognized experts in the field, the book starts with a brief history of tethered space systems, their potential applications, and a description of past and current space tether missions. This is followed by an in-depth investigation into various aspects of the dynamics and control of rigid and flexible single-tether space systems, tether propulsion, and multi-tether satellite systems. The use of tethers to remove space debris is discussed next alongside other sustainability-related considerations, which make the content all the more relevant in view of the present global pressures that stakeholders in the space sector face. A whole section of chapters on the dynamics of partial and full space elevators concludes the volume.
Dynamics of Tethered Satellites and Space Elevators aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the subject. Written by two widely recognized experts in the field, the book starts with a brief history of tethered space systems, their potential applications, and a description of past and current space tether missions. This is followed by an in-depth investigation into various aspects of the dynamics and control of rigid and flexible single-tether space systems, tether propulsion, and multi-tether satellite systems. The use of tethers to remove space debris is discussed next alongside other sustainability-related considerations, which make the content all the more relevant in view of the present global pressures that stakeholders in the space sector face. A whole section of chapters on the dynamics of partial and full space elevators concludes the volume.
- Builds on from basic fundamentals to advanced, in-depth coverage of tethered space systems
- Includes mathematical modeling in each chapter
- Considers several applications – from attitude stabilization, momentum exchange, to in-orbit maintenance (such as fueling service, orbit maneuvering, and space debris removal), and many more
- Discusses past missions in detail and broaches future ones, including zero-emission lift of cargo to space
Postgraduate students, researchers, and academics in aerospace engineering and advanced/applied mechanical engineering programs specifically orientated to tether propulsion for spacecraft launch systems, orbital plasma dynamics/astrodynamics/orbital mechanics, and tidal/gravity-gradient stabilization
1. Introduction
1.1 Motivation for Space Tethers
1.2 History of the Space Tether
1.3 Potential Applications
1.4 Description of Past Tether Missions
1.5 Future Planned Missions
1.6 Overview of the Chapters
Part I: Space Tethers and Tethered Satellites
2. Dynamics of Rigid Tethered Satellite Systems
2.1 Mathematical Model
2.2 Constant Length Case
2.3 Variable Length Case
2.4 Nonlinear and Chaotic Dynamics
3. Elastic Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.1 Longitudinal Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.2 Transverse Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.3 Coupled Nonlinear Oscillations
4. Control of Tethered Satellite Systems
4.1 Tension Control
4.2 Reel Rate Control
4.3 Thruster Control
4.4 Nonlinear Control Schemes
5. Tethered Multi-body Systems
5.1 Three-Body Tethered Systems
5.2 N-Body Tethered Systems
5.3 Tethered Satellite Formations
6. Tether Propulsion
6.1 Orbit Change Using Momentum Exchange
6.2 Orbit Change Using Electrodynamic Tethers
7. Removal of Space Debris
7.1 Capture of Space Debris Using a Tether-Net
7.2 Towing of Space Debris Using a Single Tether
7.3 Towing of Space Debris Using Multiple Tethers
Part II: Space Elevators
8. Partial Space Elevators
8.1 Dynamics of Very Long Tethers
8.2 Dynamics of Partial Space Elevators
8.3 Deployment of Partial Space Elevators
9. Space Elevator Description
9.1 Design of the Nominal System
9.2 Orbits Available via Payload Release
9.3 Sizing of Components
10. Elastic Oscillations of Space Elevator
10.1 Dynamical Model
10.2 Wave Speed
10.3 Modal Analysis
11. Climber Effects on Space Elevator Tether
11.1 Stationary Climbers
11.2 Transiting Climbers
12. Conclusions
12.1 Space Tethers
12.2 Space Elevators
1.1 Motivation for Space Tethers
1.2 History of the Space Tether
1.3 Potential Applications
1.4 Description of Past Tether Missions
1.5 Future Planned Missions
1.6 Overview of the Chapters
Part I: Space Tethers and Tethered Satellites
2. Dynamics of Rigid Tethered Satellite Systems
2.1 Mathematical Model
2.2 Constant Length Case
2.3 Variable Length Case
2.4 Nonlinear and Chaotic Dynamics
3. Elastic Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.1 Longitudinal Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.2 Transverse Oscillations of Space Tethers
3.3 Coupled Nonlinear Oscillations
4. Control of Tethered Satellite Systems
4.1 Tension Control
4.2 Reel Rate Control
4.3 Thruster Control
4.4 Nonlinear Control Schemes
5. Tethered Multi-body Systems
5.1 Three-Body Tethered Systems
5.2 N-Body Tethered Systems
5.3 Tethered Satellite Formations
6. Tether Propulsion
6.1 Orbit Change Using Momentum Exchange
6.2 Orbit Change Using Electrodynamic Tethers
7. Removal of Space Debris
7.1 Capture of Space Debris Using a Tether-Net
7.2 Towing of Space Debris Using a Single Tether
7.3 Towing of Space Debris Using Multiple Tethers
Part II: Space Elevators
8. Partial Space Elevators
8.1 Dynamics of Very Long Tethers
8.2 Dynamics of Partial Space Elevators
8.3 Deployment of Partial Space Elevators
9. Space Elevator Description
9.1 Design of the Nominal System
9.2 Orbits Available via Payload Release
9.3 Sizing of Components
10. Elastic Oscillations of Space Elevator
10.1 Dynamical Model
10.2 Wave Speed
10.3 Modal Analysis
11. Climber Effects on Space Elevator Tether
11.1 Stationary Climbers
11.2 Transiting Climbers
12. Conclusions
12.1 Space Tethers
12.2 Space Elevators
- Edition: 1
- Latest edition
- Published: July 1, 2026
- Language: English
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Arun K. Misra
Arun K. Misra is the Thomas Workman Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He has made extensive research contributions in the areas of dynamics and control of tethered satellites, space debris, space robotics, space structures, and space elevators. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics as well as of the American Astronautical Society. He has been elected to the Canadian Academy of Engineering and to the International Academy of Astronautics. He has received numerous awards including the Dirk Brouwer Award from the American Astronautical Society. He is a Co-Editor of the journal Acta Astronautica published by Elsevier.
Affiliations and expertise
Thomas Workman Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, CanadaSC
Stephen Cohen
Stephen Cohen obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering at McGill University. In conjunction with Prof. Misra, he authored Space Elevator – A Revolutionary Space Transportation System (Springer, 2020), the first-ever comprehensive analysis of the mechanics of space elevators, and has published numerous articles and conference papers on the topic in various journals, including Acta Astronautica. After graduating from McGill, he worked for industry designing and testing space payloads for launch and orbital environments. He became a Physics Professor at Vanier College in 2010, and began a science blog, The Engineer’s Pulse (www.engineerspulse.com) that same year. His first independently published book, Getting Physics: Nature’s Laws as a Guide to Life, was released to the market in January 2023.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor, Department of Physics, Vanier College, Montreal, QC, Canada