Preparation for an On-Orbit Demonstration of an Electrodynamic Tether on the H-II Transfer Vehicle

A flight demonstration of an electrodynamic tether (EDT) on the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is planned by JAXA. This demonstration plan is called the Konotori Integrated Tether Experiment (KITE). KITE is the first step toward the development of active debris removal (ADR) systems using EDTs. EDTs have many advantages that make them promising candidates for deorbit propulsion systems for ADR, including the absence of consumables, low electric power requirements, the absence of thrust vectoring, and easy attachment to debris. The primary objective of KITE is to demonstrate the key EDT technologies for ADR. KITE mission will be conducted prior to re-entry of the HTV-6. A 700-m-length bare tether, which is deployed from the HTV body toward the zenith, collects electrons from the ambient space plasma, and a field emission cathode on the HTV emits 10-mA-level electrons into the plasma. This collector–emitter combination can provide complete propellant-free deorbit propulsion for ADR.