What Is the Satellite Magnetic Torquer Dipole Sizing Calculator?
Magnetic torquers are electromagnets that produce attitude control torques through interaction with the geomagnetic field.
How Does the Satellite Magnetic Torquer Dipole Sizing Calculator Work?
Sizes required coil magnetic moment m = N * I * A to produce design dump torque T = m x B.
Satellite Magnetic Torquer Dipole Sizing Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
mathbf{T} = mathbf{m} imes mathbf{B}, quad m = rac{T_{ ext{desat}} cdot ext{Margin}}{B_{ ext{geomagnetic}}}, quad B approx B_0 left( rac{R_e}{r}
ight)^3
Lorentz magnetic dipole torque in dipole geomagnetic field approximation.
How to Use the Satellite Magnetic Torquer Dipole Sizing Calculator
- Input orbit altitude, continuous environmental disturbance torque, and design safety margin.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
LEO SmallSat Magnetorquer Sizing
Input Values:
orbitAltitudeKm:550
disturbanceTorqueMicroNm:25
desaturationMarginFactor:2.5
Worked Steps: Geomagnetic field B = 24.4 µT; requires magnetic dipole m = 2.56 A·m² for momentum desaturation.
Understanding Your Result
Outputs dipole moment in Ampere-square meters (A·m²) and local geomagnetic field strength.
Factors That Affect the Result
- Earth magnetic field weakens with distance as (Re/r)^3, making magnetorquers ineffective above ~1000 km altitude.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
- CubeSat and LEO satellite ADCS design, reaction wheel desaturation system sizing, and B-dot detumbling analysis.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Applies equatorial dipole field approximation; real orbits experience orbital field vector variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
Standard geomagnetic dipole approximation for LEO satellite ADCS.