Dr. Robert P. Hoyt is a physicist and engineer who is famous for his invention of the Hoytether.[1][2] He also originated the MXER Tether concept, which combines momentum-exchange techniques with electrodynamic reboost propulsion to enable a bolo tether system to serve as a fully reusable in-space upper stage for boosting many payloads from LEO to GEO or lunar trajectories. He also has done work and collaborated with the late Robert L. Forward on electrodynamic space tethers for use for deorbiting space junk and interplanetary transport.[3] He was one of the authors of a paper on using tethers for cis-lunar transportation.[4]
Dr. Hoyt also invented the Structureless Antenna technology, which uses electrostatic forces to deploy ultra-lightweight large-aperture antenna reflectors, enabling small spacecraft to deploy and use large, high-gain antennas. Other projects he has been involved with are an invention to drain the Van Allen radiation belts and "Printable Satellite" technologies.
Dr. Hoyt is the CEO and Chief Scientist of Tethers Unlimited, Inc.