LEO Spacecraft Magnetism Propulsion and Its Capability Estimation.

According to the characteristics of the magnetic field distribution in the earth space, the propulsion technology without propellant consumption was proposed to maintain or change the LEO spacecraft altitude. The magnetic thrust dynamics was modeled based on the fundamental magnetics, the magnetism propulsion principle with continuous thrust hut no propellant consumption was clarified, and the tracking control strategy of geomagnetic line of force for decoupling the magnetic moment was proposed. The flight envelope of magnetism propulsion and typical calculations for the orbit altitude maintenance or changes was carried out. The results show that the magnetic moment of the spacecraft can be used to maintain or change the spacecraft altitude from 600 km to 1000 km in low earth orbit (LEO) when it is up to 106 Am². Furthermore, the technical feasibility of obtaining high magnetic moment is briefly analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]