Tether Performance in Innovative Applications

This dataset has been constructed in the framework of the EIC Pathfinder project E.T.COMPACT (No. 101161603), which aims to reach TRL 4 in three space technologies focused on solar energy and propellant-free propulsion: a lightweight high-efficiency thin-film solar module, a compact spinning electrodynamic tether for space propulsion, and a novel photovoltaic tether combining power generation and propulsion. The project aims at developing technologies for sustainable, low-cost space operations such as debris removal and in-orbit servicing.

The dataset contains four .dat files with information about the efficiency of EDTs equipped with one and two cathodes and spinning wihin the optimal spin plane for variations of four orbital elements: semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, and right ascension of the ascending node. It also includes a MATLAB script, main_data.m, to read the .dat files and generate plots to visualize these element variations. The rates of variation per day are plotted as a function of the orbit inclination.