A study of selected aspects of electromagnetic formation flight.

摘要

Electromagnetic Formation Flight (EMFF) is a technique for electromagnetically controlling the relative position and velocity of satellites in close proximity, without using propellant.;An optimal design for an EMFF system for clusters of small satellites was calculated. Trends in parameters were identified, taking into account thermal issues.;A power transfer system, using strongly coupled magnetic resonance, was simulated, using the same coils as the EMFF system. The efficiencies were calculated for the same parameters.;A scheme for EMFF control was tested, in which two satellites at a time were active, with their dipoles aligned with each other on-axis. This system was shown to keep clusters of four satellites within specified boundaries.