Micro-electromagnetic formation flight of satellite systems

Abstract

Electromagnetic formation flight (EMFF) investigates the concept of using electromagnets to provide the forces to maintain a satellite's relative position in a formation. Thus far, high temperature superconducting (HTS) wire has been considered the enabling technology and the concept has been sized for aggressive maneuvering over large distances with concepts such as terrestrial planet finder in mind. A nominal mode of operation, of simply keeping a fleet of satellites within a volume, calls for a simpler system. Micro-EMFF (pEMFF) investigates the use of conventional conductors, capacitors and solar cells for use on formations at small separation distances and requiring small forces. Simple one-dimensional models investigate this concept and the optimal mass implementations are compared to traditional propulsion systems as well as HTS EMFF and shown to be advantageous in close proximity formations. Because the forces involved with pEMFF are so small, a mobile-like device was built to validate the simple models and to allow for the further investigation of control algorithms. Overall, this thesis proves the viability of the pEMFF concept in close proximity, small force requiring formations.