Science geeks definitely know what space tethers are, but for the benefit of the not-so-geeks out there, here is a brief introduction. Space tethers are very strong and long cables that are used for stabilization, propulsion, or maintenance of the space systems’ formation by identifying the trajectory of the payloads and space crafts. Space flight using this type of spacecraft propulsion can be less expensive than the one suing rocket engines depending on the altitude and objectives of the mission.

There are three main techniques in employing space tethers:

1. Momentum exchange tether – A rotating tether which grabs a spacecraft and release it later.
2. Electrodynamic tether – A conductive tether which carries current that can generate drag or thrust from a planetary magnetic field.
3. Tethered formation flying – Non-conductive tether which accurately maintains the distance between two space vehicles.

History reveals that Tsiolkovsky proposed a tower that will be so tall, it will reach space. Of course, this was deemed by experts as unrealistic and impossible to build. NASA probed the feasibility of the cable and gave direction to the study on tethered systems, specifically the tethered satellites in 1979. In 2000, Boeing and NASA considered the HASTOL concept where payloads could be taken by a tether from a hypersonic aircraft to orbit.

Just because you are taking phlebotomy training doesn’t mean you do not have to know about space tethers. In fact, it is better to get ourselves familiar with all kinds of stuff, even those that are space-related.