Tethered Satellite Systems represent a promising technology for a wide range of space applications, including orbital maneuvering, de-orbiting operations, and in-orbit servicing. These systems enable novel mission concepts that can reduce propellant consumption and mission costs, while also supporting sustainable space operations. Despite their potential, TSS are characterized by complex dynamics and critical challenges, both during the deployment phase and once the tether has already been deployed: these aspects make both their modeling and experimental validation particularly demanding. Given the high costs associated with space missions, ground testing has always represented a crucial aspect of every project. Nowadays, however, a new trend is the development of digital twins, namely digital models of experimental setups, which make it possible to further reduce costs and to carry out an unlimited number of tests.