An improved uncooperative space target de-tumbling method using electromagnetic de-tumbling devices with AC excitation

A large amount of space debris with rotational motion occupies limited orbital resources, necessitating a de-tumbling phase before the capturing phase to mitigate collision risks. To enhance the safety and performance of de-tumbling uncooperative space targets, this paper proposes and investigates a contactless method using electromagnetic de-tumbling devices with alternating current (AC) excitation, which can generate larger de-tumbling torque compared to conventional direct current (DC) excitation. First, the optimal configuration of the devices for de-tumbling the target is studied under the constraint of constant power consumption. Then, the mechanism of de-tumbling torque generated by AC excitation is analyzed, leading to the development of the optimal AC excitation de-tumbling method. Subsequently, the optimal configuration and AC excitation de-tumbling method are validated through finite element method simulations, confirming the advantages of the proposed method. Finally, ground experiments demonstrate the superiority of AC excitation over DC excitation.