Nonlinear dynamics and simulation of multi-tethered satellite formations in Halo orbits

Abstract The nonlinear coupling (not linearized) dynamics of multi-tethered satellite formations is presented, in which the parent satellite follows three-dimensional larger Halo orbits centered about the second libration point of the Sun–Earth system. We develop the dynamic model of system in Hill's problem. The system is arranged in a hub–spoke configuration (a main satellite in the hub and n tethers connecting n subsatellites to the hub in a spoke configuration). The numerical simulations of the coupling motion of the parent satellite and tether librations are carried out for a three-satellite case. The stability characteristics of the tethered formation is compared with that of the free formation in the same initial locations, and the free dynamics of spinning multi-tethered systems in the required larger Halo orbits is studied. The numerical results demonstrate that the different initial spinning rate and lengths of tethers have some impact on the stability of system.