SATELLITE ATTITUDE CONTROL UTILIZING THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD

Abstract

The torque developed by the interaction of current-carrying coils with the earth's magnetic field can be used as a means of attitude control. The degree to which the attitude of a vehicle can be maintained utilizing this torque depends on the fluctuations of the magnetic field at the satellite as the satellite orbits about the earth. Due to the nature of the torque developed only two vehicle axes can be c ntinuously controlled simultaneously. With the principle described, either a two- or three-coil system can be used to control vehicle attitude about two axes. Intermittent control about three axes can be obtained. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0261197

Entities

People

  • Fred H. Shigemoto
  • John S. White
  • Kent Bourquin

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Orbits
  • Satellite Attitude Control
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Satellite Orientation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Superconducting Magnet Technology

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers