Spherical Magnetic Dipole Actuator for Spacecraft Attitude Control

A spherical actuator for spacecraft attitude control has been presented here that relies on a simple dipole magnet to exchange momentum with the spacecraft. The equations of motion for this system, along with an analytical force and torque model, were derived and numerically simulated, indicating that the proposed actuator can provide attitude control. Simulations conducted thus far and analogous underactuated systems indicate that control arguments can be made. Finally, the spherical actuatorwas compared against a cluster of three reaction wheels and was found to provide mass, volume, and power savings.