Orbital tethers are long cables or ropes that connect a spacecraft to a weight in space, often used to generate thrust or stabilize the spacecraft's position. They can utilize the Earth's gravity or centrifugal force to help maneuver or maintain orbit without using traditional fuel. These tethers can also serve as a means of transferring energy or momentum between objects in space. For example, they can assist in deorbiting satellites or even help in launching payloads into higher orbits, making them a potential tool for future space exploration and satellite management.