The multiple coils to perform autonomous rendezvous & docking of CubeSat/micro-satellite

This paper proposes a docking device by using only magnetic force with multi-dipole for CubeSat/micro-satellite. An innovative electromagnetic capture device was recently proposed to increase the reliability and simplify rendezvous operations. The device could be implemented in the re-configurable space structures that architect large structure or reconstruct themselves by assembling basic structural units. The joining mechanism is designed to combine in a simple way of probe-drogue configurations, through the docking ports of auto attraction capabilities, avoiding the need of a large amount of actuators usually employed in larger docking ports. The paper presents the design and control aspects of this magnetic capture device. One remarkable benefit of this device is that it does not require attitude controls for final rendezvous stage and doesn't require propulsion. The final contact is secured thanks to a current control of passive magnet. The performance of magnetic force is analyzed, and test results are presented.