The effect of nonuniformity of the Earth’s magnetic field on dynamics of electrodynamic space tether system

Abstract

An electrodynamic space tether system in a circular equatorial orbit under conditions of nonuniformity of the Earth’s magnetic field is considered. The dynamic equations of motion are analyzed to search for equilibrium modes of motion. The oblique equilibrium position of the tether in the orbit plane is found. The stability of the found equilibrium is investigated in linear approximation. The results of numerical modeling are presented.