Magnetic Torque
In the context of aerospace engineering, Magnetic Torque refers to the rotational force exerted on a spacecraft due to the interaction between its magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field. This torque is used for attitude control of the spacecraft, particularly for small satellites like CubeSats. The magnetic field of the spacecraft is manipulated using onboard devices known as magnetorquers or torque rods, which generate a controlled magnetic field when an electric current is passed through them. The interaction between this magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field results in a torque that can be used to change the orientation of the spacecraft. This method of attitude control is passive, meaning it does not require the use of propellant, making it a lightweight and cost-effective solution for small satellites. However, the effectiveness of magnetic torque for attitude control decreases as the distance from the Earth increases, limiting its use to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Isthmus: In space and astronautical engineering, an isthmus refers to a narrow strip of land connecting two larger landmasses. In the context of space exploration, an isthmus can be a potential location for a launch site or a spaceport due to its st ... Read More >>
- Controlled Environment Agriculture: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a method of farming that involves growing crops in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or indoor facility, where environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and CO2 leve ... Read More >>
- Optical Phenomenon: In space and astronautical engineering, an optical phenomenon refers to any observable event or effect that involves the interaction of light with matter. This can include phenomena such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, scattering, a ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06