A Study of Selected Aspects of Electromagnetic Formation Flight

Abstract

Electromagnetic Formation Flight (EMFF) is a technique for electromagnetically controlling the relative position and velocity of satellites in close proximity, without using propellant.\nAn optimal design for an EMFF system for clusters of small satellites was calculated. Trends in parameters were identiï¬ ed, taking into account thermal issues.\nA power transfer system, using strongly coupled magnetic resonance, was simulated, using the same coils as the EMFF system. The eï¬ ciencies were calculated for the same parameters.\nA scheme for EMFF control was tested, in which two satellites at a time were active, with their dipoles aligned with each other on-axis. This system was shown to keep clusters of four satellites within speciï¬ ed boundaries.