Hi

Im intrigued by electrodynamic tethers for propellantless space propulsion. This seems like alot more achievable than the space elevator and would give a more decentralised infrastructure. They concept does not need any fancy new materials.

Now my question.

Could a tether be deployed directly from a supersonic plane as a mean to leave earth orbit?
The idea being that the plane first gets into high enough altitude and then deploys the tether to lift it into high earth orbit, the higher the electric charge in the tether and the speed of the aircraft, the stronger the lift.

her are some links

Scientific American
http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?art...=2&catID=2

Nasa
http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/head...t22jan99_1.htm

The main problem with deploying a tether inside the atmosphere is drag. At supersonic speeds that's rather substantial, even high in the atmosphere. I think the concept is intended for use in low orbit and above rather than as a means of getting out of the atmosphere into orbit. Deploying the tether up in the presence of atmosphere would also be a problem. Once in orbit, though, it could be a way of powering the spacecraft besides or in addition to solar panels.

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