Abstract: A device for coupling at least two spacecrafts, the latter being connected by means of at least two tether lines, between which a plurality of cross-connections are provided which run parallel to each other at a right-angle or any other angle to the tether lines so that the length of the coupled tether lines is far greater than the dimensions transverse to the imaginary longitudinal axis of the tether system. By the introduction and use of such multiple tether systems a redundant system has been made available for tether technology. As a result, the probability of failure or dropout of such a multiple tether system has been greatly reduced or largely excluded.

Abstract: A symmetrical railgun is described which consists of at least four rails of electrically conductive material, which extend at the same spacing from and parallel to a predetermined axis of symmetry.

Abstract: An accelerator is described which comprises an electrothermal accelerator and is preferably of two-stage design, with the first stage consisting of an electrothermal accelerator, in particular an electromagnetically amplified electrothermal accelerator, and with the second stage consisting of a light gas accelerator.

Abstract: In a method of determining the angle of an incident flow at a stationary or moving point of measurement, especially at a point of measurement on a vehicle, the pressure of the incident flow on the surface of a sphere or of a spherical segment is measured. The resulting pressure distribution on the surface is compared with a pressure distribution associated with a defined angle of incident flow and from this the angle of incident flow is calculated, or the angle of displacement of the pressure distribution curve that is found is determined relative to a desired predetermined coordinate system, or relative to a predetermined pressure distribution curve associated with a defined incident flow angle. The determination of the incident flow angle is particularly accurate and can be achieved with minimal measurement complexity in a reliable manner.