Voyager

Aeronautics and Astronautics student research group


Orbital mechanics and control line

Helmholtz cage

Helmholtz cage blueprint

In the near-Earth environment, forces associated with electromagnetic fields dominate over those produced by the gravitational field. Being able to recreate this phenomenon is essential to understanding the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and the dynamics of space vehicles, as well as control systems based on this principle. An experiment that replicates this scenario is known as a Helmholtz Cage, created using a set of three pairs of coils arranged in a three-axis independent configuration.

Currently, its construction was finished and the team is developing a user manual and a scientific article based on the design and manufacturing of the Helmholtz Cage.

Project objectives

  • Develop a prototype experimental test bench for nanosatellite magnetic field testing.
  • Establish the conditions and requirements necessary for studying magnetic effects on small satellites.
  • Propose experimental designs in different orbital scenarios related to satellite attitude control.

Contact

For more information about the project, contact Simón Zuluaga at [email protected].