Magnetic dipole tractor beam control system
US6634603B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/1085
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Spacecraft maneuvers (e.g., orbit transferring, stationkeeping and attitude controlling) of a first spacecraft are realized with conventional force and torque generators (e.g., thrusters and momentum wheels). Spacecraft maneuvers of a second spacecraft are realized through magnetic interaction between the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system. In particular, a magnetic moment vector m1 of a magnetic system of the first spacecraft and a magnetic moment vector m2 of a magnetic system of the second spacecraft are adjusted to apply selected force vectors and torque vectors to the first and second spacecraft using a closed loop control system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.