Use of phased antenna lattice as magnetic actuator of orientation system

At the moment, space based flat phased antenna lattices (PAL) have found broad application for the problem solving of provision of personal satellite communications. Normally, PALs have large square working surfaces. Modem spacecrafts under design with PAL use powered gyroscopes for orientation maintenance. This article looks into possibility of PAL use (existing designs) as magnetic actuator for unloading of kinematic momentum. In the process of interaction between intrinsic magnetic moments of the current loops of the array power supply and the Earth magnetic field, a control moment is generated which is directed oppositely to kinetic moment accumulated in the system of control moment gyros. The values of the intrinsic magnetic moments depend on the intended functionality of the PAL and the implemented design solutions related to current flows in the primary and secondary power supply circuits. The advantage of using PAL as final control devices consists in the fact that they do not require any additional increases in the mass of the spacecraft in order to conduct dynamic operations.