Capability Analysis and Magnetic Dipole Assignment of Electromagnetic Formation

Electromagnetic formation flying technology makes use of the inter-satellite electromagnetic force and torque to control the relative position and attitude of the satellites. It has the advantages of no propellant consumption, long lifetime, and high flexibility. Since the electromagnetic formation dynamics is nonlinear and strongly coupled, the magnetic dipole assignment is difficult. This paper studies the electromagnetic formation capability and dipole assignment of double satellites. The feasible engineering constraints are given based on the overall energy consumption optimization goal, which significantly simplifies the electromagnetic model and reserves a certain degree of freedom to assign electromagnetic dipoles. The relationship among electromagnetic force, torque, and dipole is illustrated by the diagram method. We also calculate the envelope of electromagnetic formation capability. The analytical solution of the dipole with the optimal energy consumption and the numerical solution of the dipole with the least angular momentum is given via the typical dipole assignment strategies. The results of the calculation example show that the approaches of dipole assignment are effective.