In-plane global dynamics and ground experiment of a linear tethered formation with three satellites

This study focuses on the global dynamics of a linear tethered satellite formation (LTSF). Specifically, the influence of the initial states of the system on the motion forms and their critical values are presented in detail. First, an approximate but useful model for a high-dimensional nonlinear system is established in a noninertial reference frame, where three satellites and two space tethers are deemed to be particles and massless springs, respectively. Three types of typical in-plane motions, including the motions with spin axes perpendicular to an orbital plane, tangent to the orbit and passing through the Earth center, are examined in conjunction with the suppression of possible out-of-plane motions via control. Then, a Poincare map is utilized to analyze the stability of the motion. A dynamic parameter domain is proposed to reveal three forms of motions and their critical values numerically. Finally, an equivalent ground experimental system is structured by virtue of the dynamic similarity principle to reproduce the dynamic characteristics of the orbital system.