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.
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