Study on the implications of inter-satellite electromagnetic forces for relative translational motion

Abstract

As the spacecraft relative motion control actuated by inter-satellite electromagnetic forces become a key concern in the space domain, the need to analyze the specific dynamic characteristics is apparent and important for better control performance. Based on the assumption of large separation distance between spacecraft and a circular reference orbit of the formation mass center, the relative translational dynamic model is developed. Then three typical configurations of the magnetic dipoles are given, and the implications of the corresponding electromagnetic forces are analyzed, as well as the dynamic mechanisms behind. Some useful conclusions follow in the end.