Relative orbital dynamics to LEO electromagnetic formation flying

Abstract:

Taking account of earth oblateness and atmospheric drag, this article established the relative orbital dynamics for electromagnetic formation flying. The model of electromagnetic force is derived by the dipole approximation of the coils, and the relative orbital dynamics of EMFF is derived by Hill equation. Utilizing the linearization of electromagnetic force between any two satellites, atmospheric drag and earth oblateness, the linear relative orbital dynamics is presented. The results indicate that the linear relative orbital dynamics is reasonable and feasible. Compared to the nonlinear dynamics, the error of 3 revolution is about 0.05 m~5 m, which is resulted from the linearization of electromagnetic force. 