SBIR-STTR Award

Innovations in the area of tether dynamics simulation algorithms and simulation architecture are proposed to improve tether modeling and simulation capabilities for the coming applications of tethers in space transportation, science and engineering. Improvements in the simulation algorithm will allow more efficient modeling of tethers in slack or near slack conditions typical of tether dynamics safety studies.Improvements in the simulation architecture including large scale parallel processing will build on the algorithm efficiencies yielding even greater improvements in simulation speed and size of problem that can be addressed. Tether applications in the near vicinity of Space Shuttle or Space Station operations will draw close scrutiny and will require detailed investigation of potential failure scenarios to assure maximum crew safety. Thus, high fidelity, high speed of execution and ready availability will be required of a tether simulation system. This proposed innovation activity will provide such a tool to the tether dynamics community.

Potential Commercial Applications:
It is currently envisioned that a successful Phase I will result in an improved tether dynamics simulation algorithm. This will result in a faster running, serial version of the tether dynamics simulation. In addition, the architecture will have been laid out in Phase I for a parallel processing version of the tether dynamics simulation which will offer even greater speedup potential.The marketing potential for this activity stems from the large number of tetherapplications envisioned and the need for simulation and analysis required to bring them to maturity. For example, it has been proposed to fly a tether based system for towing the Space Station to boost its orbit using the residual orbiter OMS propellent. Studies of the dynamics of this activity will be required to establish the operational procedures to perform it safely. Other tether applications have also been proposed such as tethered atmospheric probes as well as electrodynamic, power generating tethers. The significant speedup envisioned for the tether dynamics simulation tools will be attractive to the organizations in government, university and industry currently planning tether applications in response to the call for better, faster and cheaper spacecraft.