This article is cited in 4 papers

On coplanar equilibria of a space station on the cable fixed in an asteroid

A. V. Rodnikov

N. E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 2-nd Baumanskaya st. 5, Moscow, 105005, Russia

Abstract: We study a space station equilibria on the cable called “the leier” with ends placed in poles of a dynamically-symmetric asteroid. We suggest some criteria of these equilibria stability for the station fixed on the leier. Using condition for V. V. Beletsky’s Generalized Restricted Circular Problem of Three Bodies we classify coplanar equilibria, i.e. equilibria in the plane composed by axes of dynamical symmetry and precession if the asteroid gravitational field is close to gravitational field of two particles of equal masses.

Keywords: space elevator, space tether system, asteroid, unilateral constraint, problem of three bodies.

UDC: 531.352:629.7

MSC: 37N05,70H03,70H09

Received: 14.03.2012
Accepted: 02.04.2012