Detumbling Strategy of Maneuvering Uncooperative Space Targets Based on Current Control Using Two Detumbling Devices

Capturing high-speed rotating uncooperative space targets is extremely challenging. Thus, to avoid potential collision risks, it is crucial to conduct detumbling operations before capturing. To minimize the impact of deviations and repulsion on targets, while also decreasing reliance on attitude control systems, a detumbling strategy utilizing one of 2 detumbling devices to maneuver an uncooperative space target based on current control is proposed in this paper. First, analytical models for the magnetic field and its error are established to validate the proposed method. Then, the detumbling strategies for targets of different radii are analyzed based on those models. Subsequently, the strategy’s effectiveness is verified through the consistency between finite element model (FEM) results and analytical solutions. Analysis of 2 typical cases shows significant advantages in reducing power consumption and stabilizing target orbits. Finally, comparison of ground experiments and analytical methods demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed strategy.