[r9etb]

This version is do-able.

But why? Now, in addition to just launching your satellite, you have to make it do a rendezvous with the tether, and you've opened yourself up to all sorts of collision-related risks.

There's an easier way to use tethers: just reel one out, then pump an electric current through it. Presto: electric propulsion.

[mvpel]

Here's a good site with a lot of detail:

http://www-ccar.colorado.edu/asen5050/projects/projects_2001/eby/introduction.html