Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference for a Satellite Using Solenoids in Low Earth Orbit

A satellite mission currently in development by the New Mexico State University NanoSatellite Lab plans to launch two satellites initially coupled together at an altitude of 400 km. The satellites will then decouple and attempt to dock using solenoids attached to both satellites. Within Low Earth Orbit (LEO), significant environmental disturbances, such as ionizing radiation, affect the performance of electrical equipment. The electromagnetic interference between Earth’s magnetic field and the solenoids within the satellites is analyzed statistically by determining the average charge distribution and current density. Then, Maxwell’s equations can be applied to find the magnitude of the electric and magnetic fields. Next, the 2D wave equation was used to analyze wave propagation within the environment with the boundary conditions constrained by the physical limitations of the satellites. Using this data, it was determined where the fields couple with the solenoids. Applying these results, mitigation strategies such as shielding, grounding, and active control systems can be used to minimize electromagnetic interference, and the solenoids can perform efficiently to ensure mission success.