Simple tension control strategy for variable length tethered satellite system

In order to simplify the control of tethered satellite system (TSS), a new design method was proposed by upgrading the existing methods. A linear autonomous system was established according to the dynamic functions of TSS and a linear feedback control law was derivate from this system for deployment, station-keeping and retrieval phases in the same process. Then the parameters of the control law were discussed. For retrieval phase, a piecewise retrieval law was derived by designing the equilibrium point parameter. Numerical simulation results prove that the method works well for the three phases of TSS mission in both circular and near circular orbits.