What is it about?
This work presents the design and characterization of a custom PCB magnetorquer for a PocketQube satellite that offers reduced mass, volume, and manufacturing complexity than conventional magnetorquer coils. Performance is measured experimentally against a wire-wound air-core magnetorquer, confirming magnetic field strengths and torque generation. Simulations demonstrate feasibility of the PCB magnetorquer for single-axis attitude control within the stringent power budget of a PocketQube.
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Why is it important?
This work demonstrates the value of open-hardware, open-software picosatellite research platforms for evaluating novel mission and payload concepts. Utilizing existing satellite subsystems accelerates design and characterization of a custom PCB magnetorquer for attitude control within the stringent power budget of a PocketQube.
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This page is a summary of: Printed Circuit Magnetorquer for a PocketQube Satellite, January 2026, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2026-0174.
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