As satellites travel through space, it is known that electrostatic charges naturally accumulate on the space vehicle. Theoretically, these charges can be used, through the process of Coulomb tethering, to control the relative motion between spacecraft with very little additional power. The goal of this project was to build an experimental test set-up to simulate the forces involved in Coulomb tethering. The test set-up was designed, refined, and constructed to aid in future research. In addition, MATLAB simulations were built and run for two body problems to analyze with the experimental results.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Kellermeier, Philip S
• LaMura, Richard J
• Sack, Michael G
• Nichols, Amanda Lee

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-031411-092034

Advisor

• Hussein, Islam

Year

• 2010

Date created

• 2010-03-14

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary
• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright