Abstract: A method for controlling a satellite using magnetics only, and a control system for implementing the method. The method involves assessing a current attitude of a satellite at a current time and location using magnetometry; setting a desired attitude for the satellite at a future time in a future location; developing a set of waypoints that provide the attitude of the satellite at plural locations between the current location and the future location; and actuating a plurality of magnetorquers to induce torques that achieve a small as possible difference between the attitude of the satellite between each waypoint and achieving the desired attitude at the future location, the magnetorquers being the sole means of inducing rotation of the satellite to attain the desired attitude.

Abstract: A method for controlling a satellite using magnetics only, and a control system for implementing the method. The method involves assessing a current attitude of a satellite at a current time and location using magnetometry; setting a desired attitude for the satellite at a future time in a future location; developing a set of waypoints that provide the attitude of the satellite at plural locations between the current location and the future location; and actuating a plurality of magnetorquers to induce torques that achieve a small as possible difference between the attitude of the satellite between each waypoint and achieving the desired attitude at the future location, the magnetorquers being the sole means of inducing rotation of the satellite to attain the desired attitude.