Design of Three Axis Magnetorquer for Microsatellites

Magnetorquer is the device to create the magnetic dipole moment as a result of the interaction between spacecraft moment and the magnetic field. Because the magnetic dipole moment is inversely proportional the third power of the orbit height, magnetorquer is generally used as attitude control system actuator for low earth orbit satellite. In this paper, the design is suitable for the tens of kilograms of micro satellites. In view of low earth orbit satellite locates the region of strong magnetic field intensity, and taking into account the advantages of simple and reliable, magnetorquer must have large output torque, low residual moment, small size, and light weight, this paper is designed to meet these requirements.