Proposed methods of actuating spacecraft in formation flying arrays use propellant as a reaction mass. For formation flying systems, propellant becomes a critical consumable which can be quickly exhausted while maintaining relative orientation. Furthermore, the total required propellant mass is highly dependant on ΔV, which requires propellant mass to increase exponentially. Additional problems posed by propellant include optical contamination, plume impingement, thermal emission, and vibration excitation. For those missions where control of relative degrees of freedom is important, we consider using a system of electromagnets, in concert with reaction wheels, to replace the consumables. A system of electromagnets, powered by solar energy, does not rely on consumables such as propellant mass. This paper briefly presents the theory of electromagnetic formation flight and develops models for the electromagnetic coil and the thermal containment system for the electromagnets. Discussion of recent work on an electromagnetic formation flight testbed is included.
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