[FPSPACE] 'Inspector Gadget' to star in space tether test

[LARRY KLAES]

'Inspector Gadget' to star in space tether test

21:35 28 March 2007

NewScientist.com news service

Maggie McKee

MAST's three tiny satellites will separate in space, pulling a 
1-kilometre-long tether taut as they do. Two will sit on the ends of the 
tether, while the middle satellite, called Gadget, will crawl along its 
length checking for damage from micrometeorites and other hazards (Image: 
Tethers Unlimited Inc)

A thermos-flask-sized satellite that will ride up and down a 
1-kilometre-long tether in space, like a skier in a gondola lift, is set to 
launch on 17 April. Designed to test technologies that could be used to 
boost future satellites into higher orbits, the tether mission should be 
visible with binoculars – and possibly the naked eye.

Researchers believe that long tethers, rotating lengthwise, could one day 
catch satellites in space and fling them to higher orbits. This could allow 
rockets to use less fuel if they launched satellites to relatively low 
altitudes before having the tether take over, boosting the satellites into 
higher orbits – or out of Earth's orbit altogether.

The tether could also extend the life of existing satellites that begin to 
drop due to atmospheric drag.

Full article here:

http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn11466?DCMP=NLC-nletter&nsref=dn11466