Custom Coils, Inc. specializes in designing, developing, and manufacturing custom magnetic coils. Backed by more than 45 years of multi-industry expertise, our talented team excels at delivering coil solutions for the most demanding applications.
We’re highly experienced in working with design applications, which involve exposure to extreme thermal conditions and high-power inputs, making us an ideal partner for clients in the aerospace market. Read on to learn more about the uses of electromagnets in satellite applications, and how Custom Coils assists in the development of these critical components.
Satellite Technology Applications
Satellites serve a variety of applications in the aerospace industry and beyond. One of their primary uses is to enable communications and data transmissions, with applications ranging from cellphones to the internet and Starlink. Satellites are also applicable for navigation and positioning systems such as Google Maps and GPS, as well as imaging capabilities for programs like Google Earth. This versatile technology even supports military reconnaissance missions and defense systems.
Satellite technology can be broken down into three orbit types:
Low Earth orbit (LEO)
LEO satellites are the closest in proximity to Earth. They’re capable of fast movement and direct interactions with the planet’s magnetic field. As one application example, Starlink relies on LEO satellites to function.
Medium Earth orbit (MEO)
Falling between LEO and geostationary satellites as far as their proximity to Earth, MEO technology allows for broader satellite coverage. It has common GPS applications, helping to ensure accurate positioning.
Geostationary orbit (GEO)
With the highest orbit of the three, GEO satellites enable stable positioning. While GEO technology fulfills critical, specific needs in the aerospace industry, the cost of these satellites currently limits their applications somewhat.
Regardless of orbit type, satellites rely on electromagnets and their magnetic coils to function.
Magnets in Satellite Technology
Electromagnets typically consist of a soft iron core wrapped with an electrically conductive insulated copper wire coil. As electricity passes through the coil, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field. Satellites have numerous uses for this electromagnetic technology, such as:
Attitude control systems
Satellites use magnetic torquers, or magnetorquers, to produce the magnetic fields that allow them to control and adjust their orientation, or attitude. They capitalize on Earth’s magnetic field and use it to stabilize satellites, with electromagnets and their coils helping reduce an orientation system’s fuel usage for greater energy efficiency.
Reaction and momentum wheels
These flywheels serve as attitude control on a satellite, and coils’ electromagnetics let them control a satellite’s orientation without requiring fuel-based propulsion.
Relative position and orientation control
Electromagnets support electromagnetic formation flight (EMFF) technology, enabling aerospace systems to manage their relative positioning and orbit orientation.
Orbit stabilization and correction
LEO satellites in particular utilize magnetic fields to not only maintain their orbit but also correct course when orbiting deviations occur.
Radiation protection
Our planet’s magnetosphere acts as a shield, helping safeguard satellites against damaging radiation in space. Using electromagnets helps lessen the weight of satellites as they won’t require additional shielding materials, and reduces costs as well.
Magnetic field measurement
Magnets allow satellites to measure magnetic fields. This ability assists with everything from seismic activity studies to weather predictions in space.
Why Choose Custom Coils for Satellite Applications?
At Custom Coils, we’re your partner for reliable, high-performance coil solutions. Satellite manufacturers turn to us for our proven success in designing and manufacturing customized coils that can handle extreme heat, heavy radiation, and vacuum environments. We’re uniquely positioned in the industry, with our in-depth knowledge of and experience in using industry-compliant materials and precision manufacturing techniques.
Our team will work closely with you during the design and prototyping stages. We’ll utilize our extensive research and development capabilities to create innovative electromagnetic coils suited to your exact specifications and application requirements. For example, we’ve developed high-quality coils for orbit stabilization, attitude control systems, and shielding from radiation. Additionally, we’ve developed satellite thruster coils to optimize the coils’ performance for space environments.
Custom Coils will also help ensure that your magnetic coils are industry-compliant, as the aerospace sector has strict regulations regarding quality and safety. Our company holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485 certifications for your peace of mind, and we adhere to UL and NEMA standards, as well. For maximum quality assurance, Custom Coils only uses components that are 100% traceable. We also offer fast lead times for ultimate customer satisfaction, ensuring that you have the vital components you need and exactly when you need them.
Custom Coils: Expertise in Satellite Solutions
If you’re searching for design support for electromagnetic components that can withstand the rigors and harsh conditions of satellite applications in space, Custom Coils is here to help. We design and manufacture high-quality coils and related products you can trust for your next aerospace project. Contact our team to learn more about our custom solutions, or request a quote today to get started. You can also reach out to schedule a free consultation.
Ready To Start Your Project?
The industry leader in custom design for magnetic coil applications for over 45 years.