3D-printed, electrically conductive structures for magnetic attitude control

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3D-printed, electrically conductive structures for magnetic attitude control

Robb, Bonar / McRobb, Malcolm / Bailet, Gilles / McInnes, Colin R.

Abstract The use of embedded current loops for the attitude control of large, flexible spacecraft is investigated. Length-scaling laws are derived by determining what fraction of a planar spacecraft’s mass would need to be allocated to the conductive current loops in order to produce a torque at least as large as the gravity gradient torque. Simulations are then performed of a flexible truss structure, modelled as a spring–mass system, for a range of structural flexibilities and a variety of current loop geometries. Simulations demonstrate rotation of the structure via the electromagnetic force on the current carrying elements, and are also used to characterise the structural deformations caused by the various current loop geometries. An attitude control simulation is performed, demonstrating a 90 $^{\circ}$ slew manoeuvre of a 250 × 250 m flexible structure through the use of three orthogonal sets of current loops embedded within the spacecraft.

Highlights • Large current loops are investigated for the attitude control of large spacecraft. • A length scaling analysis of the strategy is presented. • A spring–mass model of a large, flexible structure is presented. • Various current loop geometries are investigated through simulation. • An orbital simulation of a 90° slew manoeuvre demonstrates the strategy.