Katherine Wilson
Cornell University
Interactions between space objects during proximity operations introduce damage and contamination risks. Non-contact interactions add robustness to changes in the relative positioning of space objects. Eddy currents are a promising non-contact method for relative positioning in microgravity. A spacecraft containing a time-varying magnetic field source induces eddy currents in and corresponding forces and torques on a conducting space object. These field sources may use in situ power resources and interact with resident objects, which reduce propellant and interfacing requirements, respectively.
This project will develop eddy current actuator technology for manipulation (TA 4.3.1) and mobility (TA 4.2.4) in microgravity environments. My objectives are to
- define magnetic field source requirements (e.g., magnetic field strength per unit mass and current) to identify actuation opportunities at multiple spheres of influence,
- identify magnetic field source configurations for representative actuation tasks, and
- develop and evaluate closed-loop control systems for the selected actuation tasks.
The objectives will expand analysis of microgravity eddy current manipulation to include abstraction of analytical and numerical models to inform both electromagnet and permanent magnet sources. The models and verifying experiments will inform simulations for novel applications such as mobility of spacecraft inspection vehicles. Researchers have not yet demonstrated eddy current manipulation or mobility in microgravity environments. By developing eddy current actuation capabilities, I will inform opportunities to test the technology beyond TRL 3.