Method and apparatus for the stabilisation of a satellite formation

The invention relates to a method for stabilization of the orbital motion set-up of a group of satellites (2, 3, 4, 5, 6,.... n) bound to a tether. To such end, the tension (T) of the tether that connects two or more satellites is controlled in order to keep them in the desired flight formation. This effect is obtained by perturbing a satellite to generate a. tension component (T) in the tether, which results in a recoil force that brings the system back into a condition of equilibrium. According to a preferred embodiment, the tension (T) of the tether is obtained by adjusting the disposition of one or more aerodynamic surfaces provided on the satellites at the ends of the tether.