Magnetorquers offer a method of controlling the attitude of a spacecraft. This can be achieved either directly, by interacting with the local Earth’s magnetic field, or in combination with reaction wheels where they allow a method of dumping excess momentum in the wheels without the need for a complex propulsion system.

The use of a magnetic alloy rod produces an amplification effect over an air cored magnetorquer. This allows a system that uses less power, which is critical for CubeSat Missions.

CubeSat Magnetorquer rods are designed to be run directly from a switched 5 Volt power output from the on-board power control system.

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Magnetic moment: 0.2Am2
  
• Linearity: +/- 5% across operating design range
  
• Residual moment: <0.001Am2
  
• Power: typically 200mW from 5Volt supply
  
• Operating range: -35oC to +75oC
  
• Random Vibration: 15g rms
  
• Lifetime: >10 years

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Length:7cm
  
• Overall diameter: <9 mm
  
• Mounting: tied and bonded directly to PCB
  
• Mass: 30 grams
  

INTERFACES

• Coil wires solder direct to PCB pads
  

FEATURES

• Low cost standard product
• High torque for low power
  
• Small size and mass
  
• Simple electronic interface
  
• No residual magnetic moment
  

APPLICATIONS

• Active damping  for spin stabilised, momentum biased and gravity gradient controlled CubeSats
  
• Momentum dumping of reaction wheels in three axis stabilised spacecraft
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on the image to download the datasheet.