Method for controlling the relative position between two craft moving close to each other, in particular between two satellites, and implementation system

摘要

The invention relates to a method and to a system for controlling the relative position between two craft moving close to each other, in particular between two satellites. According to the method, a magnetic field is generated around each craft (1, 2), and at least the intensity of one of the magnetic fields is varied so that the resultant of the magnetic forces produced by the interaction between the two fields causes a modification of the relative position between the two craft (1, 2). A permanent magnet (3) generates a magnetic field around one of the craft, whilst at least one winding (4) generates a magnetic field around the other craft, this winding (4), in which a soft iron bar (8) is advantageously placed, having a current of variable intensity flowing through it. IMAGE