Active Magnetic Control System for Gravity Gradient Stabilized Spacecraft

Active magnetic control is studied as a means to improve the capabilities and performance of gravity gradient stabilized spacecraft. Active magnetic control eliminates the need for a passive damper and can reduce significantly the costs and complexity of other functional parts of the spacecraft. The system under study includes three magnetic torquers, one three-axis magnetometer, and a control processor. It does not require any moving parts, and provides for rapid libration damping, tighter stabilization and active control of the yaw angle. Control algorithms are defined. Results of the analysis of the control laws and computer simulations, including high-order models of the geomagnetic field and atmospheric…