Re: Space Tether Experiment ?
When the tether broker after it had deployed 19.5 km during sts75, it suddenly flew at a speed of 160km/h faster than the Shuttle!!!
How come? Because the upper end of the tether was in an orbit height that was higher than the Shuttle's and also slower, yet, while attached to it, it couldn't go any slower, being part of the same object (tether+shuttle). By extending the tether, its tip finds itself in a higher orbit. Because the shuttle goes faster, being lower, it gives the tip of the tether a slingshot effect.
Raoul