A simplified model for fast analysis of the deployment dynamics of tethered-net in space

The tethered-net is one of the most promising flexible space debris cleaning technologies to be developed in recent years. Momentum and geometric analysis were used to select four characteristic parameters of the tethered-net ejection system—the radius of the circumcircle of the net, the ratio of the bullet mass to the net mass, the ejection velocity of the bullet, and the ejection angle—to establish a set of formulas that describe the kinematics of the net deployment. The net deployment performance evaluation criteria were obtained with a concise analytical form. The calculation results of this set of analytical formulas are in good agreement with the numerical simulation results of the mass-spring model. Furthermore, this set of analytical formulas reveals some intrinsic characteristics of the net deployment dynamics. For example, the flying distance of the net from the start of ejection to the largest area is mainly determined by the radius of the circumcircle of the net and ejection angle. It is believed that the analytic formulas proposed are suitable for the preliminary design of a tethered-net system, especially when numerical simulation is time consuming.