A Non-Synchronous Orbital Skyhook

December 1977

A Non-Synchronous Orbital Skyhook

Authors:

Hans Moravec

Abstract:

Characteristics of a low circular equatorial orbit satellite equipped with two long cables which touch the planet's atmosphere, or even the surface, each rotation are described. The two long cables extend in opposite directions, and the system acts like the two spokes of a giant wheel rolling on the equator. The orbit is stable, and skyhook taper is minimized when the satellite's diameter is one-third that of the planet. Taper and mass ratios for three lengths of derated graphite skyhooks for solar system bodies are provided for synchronous, 1/3 ratio, and optimum orbits. Characteristics of tapered derated carbon (graphite) whiskers are discussed, and formulas which indicate taper requirements are derived. Parameters of a minimum-taper satellite rotating earth are reported, and the stability is considered.
@article{Moravec-1977-15084,
author = {Hans Moravec},
title = {A Non-Synchronous Orbital Skyhook},
journal = {Proceedings of Journal of the Astronautical Sciences},
year = {1977},
month = {December},
volume = {25},
number = {4},
pages = {307 - 322},
}
Copyright notice: This material is presented to ensure timely dissemination of scholarly and technical work. Copyright and all rights therein are retained by authors or by other copyright holders. All persons copying this information are expected to adhere to the terms and constraints invoked by each author's copyright. These works may not be reposted without the explicit permission of the copyright holder.