List of figures List of tables About the authors Introduction Chapter 1: Space tether systems: review of the problem Abstract: 1.1 Application of space tether systems 1.2 Chronology of experiments with the use of space tethers 1.3 Materials for tether production 1.4 Study of space tether dynamics: state of the problem Chapter 2: Mathematical models of space tether systems Abstract: 2.1 Simple models of STS consisting of two point masses connected by a massless tether 2.2 Simple model of a STS consisting of two point masses connected by a heavy tether 2.3 Model of a STS with a ponderous flexible tether 2.

4 Model of a STS consisting of a point mass connected by a heavy tether with a rigid body 2.5 Model of a STS consisting of two rigid bodies connected by a heavy elastic multipoint tether Chapter 3: Motion of a spacecraft with a tethered payload Abstract: 3.1 Mathematical model of a base spacecraft with a tethered payload 3.2 Analytical solution in case of a slow changing of the parameters 3.3 The approximate analytical solutions in the variables of the amplitude-phase 3.4 Analytical solutions for small oscillations 3.5 Estimation of the microaccelerations level on board the spacecraft 3.6 Motion of the spacecraft with a propulsion system 3.

7 Motion of a spacecraft around its centre of mass in a circular orbit with a vertically deployed elastic tether Chapter 4: Delivery of a payload from an orbit by means of a space tether Abstract: 4.1 Tether deployment schemes 4.2 Project YES2 4.3 Modelling of the YES2 tether deployment 4.4 Abnormal situations during tether deployment Chapter 5: Use of methods of chaotic dynamics for the analysis of tether system motion Abstract: 5.1 Some elements of chaotic dynamics 5.2 The chaotic approach in STS dynamics Conclusion Index.