Deployment requirements for deorbiting electrodynamic tether technology

Abstract In the last decades, green deorbiting technologies have begun to be investigated and raised a great interest in space community. Among others, electrodynamic tethers appear promising option. By interacting with surrounding ionosphere, generate drag Lorentz force decrease orbit altitude of satellite, causing its re-entry atmosphere without using propellant. this work, requirements that drive design deployment mechanism proposed for H2020 Project E.T.PACK—Electrodynamic Tether Technology Passive Consumable-less Deorbit Kit—are presented discussed. Additionally, work presents synthesis reference profiles used by motor deployer make tethered system reach desired final conditions. The result is strategy deploying tape-shaped satellites at end their operational life.