Patent AT-E399710-T1: [Translated] PASSIVE DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM FOR SPACE ROPES

Mechanism for passively deploying expendable space tethers on orbit, by means of an initial separation impulse only, provided by a simple spring system that is part of the mechanism itself. The passive deployment of the space tether and a tethered end-mass is provided by the particular mechanism devised, having very low deployment friction and resistance. Tether deployment brake towards the final part of deployment is produced by a daisy-like brake, stored within the winding of the fixed tether spool so that it is automatically deployed (opened) and starts its deployment braking or resistance function from a planned point of the tether deployment in space.