Dynamic Modeling and Simulations of a Tethered Space Solar Power Station

Abstract

The nonlinear dynamics of a tethered space solar power station are presented. Dynamic formulations are developed for a solar power station system that consists of two main parts: the bus system and the solar power panel. The orbital motions of the system, the rotation of the solar power panel, the deployment/retrieval of the tethers, and the vibration of the tethers are taken into account. The dynamic behavior of the tethered space solar power station is studied via numerical simulation. Without any initial state errors, the in-orbit movement of the tethered space solar power station is simulated. Then, a stability analysis is conducted for different types of initial state errors. The influences of the initial attitude errors of the solar power panel and the tether’s longitudinal and transverse vibrations on the tethered solar power station are analyzed. The numerical results demonstrate that initial attitude errors in different directions have different influences on the system. Compared with axial vibrations, transverse vibrations in the tethers have more significant impacts on the system.