Comparison of PCB, Square loop and Rod type Magnetorquers for Cubesatellites

Abstract

Magnetorquers are an essential part of the Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) of space vehicles, especially cube satellites. In this paper, we compare the magnetic dipole moment, response time, weight and other important parameters of three different magnetorquers: the printed circuit board type, square loop and rod type. Hence, cube satellite designers can select their preferred design based on the available constraints.