Electromagnetic Formation Flight Testbed Using Superconducting Coils

摘要

An alternative actuation system for formation flight spacecraft uses electromagnetic force generated by an electromagnetic dipole in concert with reaction wheels to control the position and attitude of each satellite relative to each other. This novel concept is called electromagnetic formation flight. All the actuators in the system are powered by solar energy and the formation flight propulsion system does not depend on consumables. To demonstrate electromagnetic formation flight a proof-of-concept ground testbed is developed. This paper describes the design of the testbed vehicles and the first known closed-loop control of electromagnetic formation flight vehicles. Demonstrations involving position hold and trajectory following maneuvers show that standard control approaches can be used to control the motion of a formation flying testbed using unique electromagnet actuation system.