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TiPS
Tether Physics and Survivability Experiment
Technical Features
- Jettisoned from host vehicle after primary mission completion
- Fully deployed payload of two separate bodies connected by 4 km (2.5 mile) tether
- Norton mounted closest to host vehicle has no electronics
- Ralph contains electronics, tether deployer, and instrumentation
Objectives
- Enhanced understanding of "libration," the pendulum-like motion of endmasses about system center of mass
- Collect data on tether's susceptibility to damage by space debris
- Successfully deployed by satellite in 1996, still operational 1999
Tips Tether
Tips in Orbit Configuration
Tips Pre-deployment Configuration
Tips Pre-deployment Configuration