Jovian electrodynamic tether experiment

BETsMA v2.0: A friendly software for the analysis of electrodynamic tether missions in Jupiter

“…Space Electrodynamic Tethers (EDTs) are km-long conductors that exchange momentum and energy with a planet magnetosphere through the Lorentz force exerted by the planet's magnetic field on the tether current. Since the conducting medium (plasma) and the magnetic field of the planetary environment are essential for their operation, tether are appropriate for applications in Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and the neighborhood of giant planets like Jupiter [1,2,3,4], Saturn [5], and Neptune [6]. However, the design and analysis of missions in outer planets typically requires deep knowledge on tethers modeling.…”

Electrodynamic Tether at Jupiter—I: Capture Operation and Constraints

“…The use of electrodynamic (ED) tethers in Jupiter was previously considered by several authors. Penzo [13] and Hammond et al [14] took cursory looks at potential applications at Jupiter. Gabriel et al considered a number of operations using light-ion emitters for anodic contact, thus avoiding dependence on the ambient plasma [15].…”