Study of Electrodynamic Tether technology for Active Debris Removal

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been investigating electrodynamic tether (EDT) as a very promising candidate for Active Debris Removal (ADR) technology in the lower earth orbits. The EDT is an advanced propulsion system which can generate sufficient thrust for orbital transfers without the need for propellant by utilizing interactions between Earth's magnetic field and currents through the tether. In order to design the debris removal satellite installing the EDT system, the mass and volume of several kilometers tether system, required electrical power, electrical potential, and disturbance torque to the satellite should be confirmed. Consequently, the numerical simulations for EDT system dynamics during and after tether deployment in the phase of deorbiting in the removal satellite's mission have been conducted. This presentation introduces the overview of EDT system for the removal satellite.