The Terminator Tether ™

1. The Terminator Tether™ Satellite Deorbit Device Small Business Innovation Research Tethers Unlimited, Inc. Clinton, WA INNOVATION The Terminator Tether™ is a low-cost, low-mass device that will provide a reliable capability for removing satellites and upper stages from low-Earth orbit (LEO) when they have completed their missions. The Terminator Tether™ will provide a cost-effective method for reducing the growth of space debris. • ACCOMPLISHMENTS • The Terminator Tether™ is currently in the development and early prototyping stage. • TUI has raised approximately $100,000 in private investments in support of the development of the Terminator Tether™. • COMMERCIALIZATION • The device will be marketed under the trademarks Terminator Tether™ and Remora Remover™. • TUI has filed two patent applications related to the Terminator Tether™, with a total of 63 claims. • Primary customers will be LEO constellation satellite manufacturers. • TUI plans to conduct a flight demonstration in 2003, and bring the device to market soon thereafter. • TUI has received endorsements from Teledesic, Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, Ellipso, and Skybridge. • Because the Terminator Tether™ does not require propellant, and because it is self-powered, it has low mass requirements and can operate independently of the host spacecraft. Therefore, it can provide a unique, low-cost capability for disposing of spacecraft even after they have malfunctioned. The Terminator Tether™ • GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS • The Terminator Tether™ will provide NASA and Department of Defense (DoD) operators of LEO spacecraft with a cost-effective method for complying with NASA Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines. • TUI will seek NASA certification for use of Terminator Tether™ on USG missions. Contacts: MSFC, Tom Knight; 256-544-5353 Tethers Unlimited, Inc., Dr. Robert P. Hoyt, 206-306-0400 1999 Phase II; NAS8-99092 Marshall Space Flight Center 12/10/99; Success Story #