Satellite Attitude Control Utilizing the Earth's Magnetic Field

The torque developed by the interaction of current-carrying coils with the earth's magnetic field can be used as a means of attitude control. The degree to which the attitude of a vehicle can be maintained utilizing this torque depends on the fluctuations of the magnetic field at the satellite as the satellite orbits about the earth. Due to the nature of the torque developed only two vehicle axes can be c ntinuously controlled simultaneously. With the principle described, either a two- or three-coil system can be used to control vehicle attitude about two axes. Intermittent control about three axes can be obtained. (Author).