Alternating magnetic field forces for satellite formation flying

Selected future space missions, such as large aperture telescopes and multi-component interferometers, will require the precise positioning of a number of isolated satellites, yet many of the suggested approaches for providing satellite positioning forces have serious limitations. In this paper we propose a new approach, capable of providing both position and orientation forces, that resolves or alleviates many of these problems. We show that by using alternating fields and currents that finely-controlled forces can be induced on the satellites, which can be individually selected through frequency allocation. We also show, through analysis and experiment, that near field operation is feasible and can provide sufficient force and the necessary degrees of freedom to accurately position and orient small satellites relative to one another. In particular, the case of a telescope with a large number of free mirrors is developed to provide an example of the concept. We also discuss the far field extension of this concept. ► We demonstrate a novel satellite formation flying concept. ► Synchronous magnetic fields and currents provide frequency allocation of forces. ► Both coarse and fine control of satellite position and orientation is possible. ► A large space-telescope design is shown with 60 free floating mirror elements. ► Weight and mass considerations demonstrate the viability of this approach.