LONG-ENDURANCE MANNED ORBITAL CABLE COMPLEX Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: space engineering. SUBSTANCE: complex has two module orbital stations with base modules and space vehicles to be docked which are connected by means of several cables and towed space vehicle connected with one of orbital stations by means of captive cable; one cable is load-bearing and other cables are adjusting. Each orbital station contains assembly module mated to base module; first assembly module is provided with main winch mechanism for extending and retracting the main cable which is wound on drum of main winch mechanism; other end of main cable is secured on second assembly module which is provided with adjustable winch mechanism for extending and retracting ropes; at one end, adjusting ropes are wound on drums of adjustable winch mechanism and at other end, they are secured on first assembly module. Complex includes also long electric cables; assembly modules include truss structures provided with cable winch mechanisms for extending and retracting the long cables wound on drums. Truss structures are provided with electric plasmas contactors electrically connected with ends of cables and coupling units. Long cables are used for conducting electric current for electrodynamic maintenance, raising and correction of complex orbit, electrodynamic generation of electric energy, radiation of radio waves and other operations which require long current conductors. EFFECT: enhanced reliability. 3 cl, 1 dwg