Time-Varying Kinematics Control for Magnetically-Actuated Satellite Swarm without Additional Actuator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel control method for satellite swarms using electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for additional actuators by leveraging angular momentum conservation.

Contribution

It presents a new control strategy for satellite swarms that operates without extra attitude actuators, based on nonholonomic constraints from angular momentum conservation.

Findings

Controllability analyzed under angular momentum conservation

Controller successfully manages satellite swarm without extra actuators

Potential for fuel-free satellite formation flying

Abstract

Electromagnetic Formation Flight is a technology that uses electromagnetic forces and torques to control multiple satellites without conventional fuel-based propulsion. In this paper, the controllability of the system is discussed based on the conservation of the entire system's angular momentum, which constitutes a nonholonomic constraint. This paper designs a new controller for multiple satellites without an additional attitude actuator.