In our world on Earth, magnetic fields deflect charged particles that possess a net electrical charge. This motion is important for technological reasons, such as controlling the beams of electrons used to create images on a television screen.
In space, magnets can also play an important role in space exploration. They are often used to shield satellites from radiation and to collect broken parts from the atmosphere.
1. Electromagnets
When an electric current flows through a copper coil rounded over a rod of iron, it generates a magnetic field. This magnetic field attracts other metals in its vicinity.
Electromagnets, also called permanent magnets, are temporary magnetic devices with a strong magnetic field that can be changed by controlling the flow of electricity through them. This makes them useful for use in electronics and other applications where magnetic forces are needed.
In fact, some of the most popular gadgets we use today would not be possible without electromagnets. They include cell phones, MRI scans and even computer hard disks!
There are many other devices that rely on electromagnets, such as motors, generators, loudspeakers, computer hard disks, spacecraft propulsion systems, MRI machines, particle accelerators, and control switches in relays. Some of these devices are able to operate independently from power sources, which is an important safety feature for those who work around them.
To make an electromagnet, a wire is wound into a coil several times, so that the turns are side by side along the edge of the coil. The field lines within the coil form a radial force on each turn of the wire, which pushes them outward in all directions.
Using a set of electromagnets, researchers from the University of Utah have been able to remotely move non-magnetic objects. The technology could be used to clean up debris in space, or to help repair damaged satellites.
2. Magnets on a tether
Magnets on a tether work by converting the motion of the tether to electrical energy. This power can then be used to propel spacecraft and other equipment.
Tethers can also be used to help protect astronauts from radiation damage caused by the Earth’s radiation belts. Tethers are long conducting wires that can be either insulated or bare and that make use of an ambient magnetic field to induce a voltage drop across their length.
The tethers can be used in a number of different ways, including as generators or motors that convert electrical energy to kinetic energy. They can also be used to transfer momentum from one spacecraft to another.
These devices are easy to use and can be mounted on a variety of different surfaces. They can be used on glass, stainless steel or wood to hang notes, pictures or flyers.
They can also be used to attach things to non-magnetic and non-metallic objects, such as mirrors. They are useful for hanging and displaying items in lockers, kitchens or work areas.
The tethers can be used to turn power into orbital changes (increasing or decreasing the speed of a spacecraft). They can also be used to generate artificial gravity, which can be helpful when traveling to and from the Moon.
3. Magnets on a spacecraft
In space, magnets are used to keep things in place. For example, astronauts use them on food trays to hold cutlery in place and to prevent the tray from floating away.
They are also used to make oxygen on the International Space Station. It is a complicated process but a new technique uses magnets to remove gas bubbles in liquids, making it easier to make oxygen on board the spacecraft.
One of the biggest challenges in space is harmful radiation. This is why some spacecraft have been designed to shield themselves from cosmic rays using magnets.
The magnetic fields created by these coils tangle with the electrons and protons in the cosmic rays, creating a net charge that deflects them away from the spacecraft. It is hoped that this will reduce the amount of harmful radiation.
However, the coils could be problematic if Earth’s magnetic field is strong enough to pull on them, which could cause the spacecraft to spin. To overcome this, researchers are proposing switching the polarity of the magnets several times a minute.
The magnets could be attached to the outside of the spacecraft or to other devices on board, such as sensors and electronics. They could be made of mu-metal, which is a nickel-iron alloy that shields against magnetic fields.
4. Magnets on a satellite
Magnets on a satellite are an essential part of the spacecraft’s operations. They help to control the attitude of the spacecraft, which determines how it is pointing towards Earth and how it moves within space.
One of the most common types of magnets on a satellite is the magnetic torquer, which is used to control the satellite’s orientation in space. This is important for a number of reasons, including safety.
In particular, magnets on a satellite can help to slow the tumbling motion of space debris so that it doesn’t collide with another satellite or other spacecraft. Likewise, they can also help to fix damaged spacecraft and extend their life.
As it stands, the biggest threat to satellites and other spacecraft is the ever-growing amount of debris in orbit. Rocket parts, paint flecks and other pieces of junk can accelerate around Earth faster than a bullet, which means they could collide with a satellite or spacecraft and cause serious damage or even kill the spacecraft.
Researchers have long studied ways to approach and capture these objects safely. Proposed methods include robotic grippers, nets and harpoons.
A new way of dealing with this problem involves creating’space tugs’ with powerful magnets. This is a concept first developed by Emilien Fabacher of the Institut Superieur de l’Aeronautique et de l’Espace at the University of Toulouse in France.
5. Magnets on a spacecraft on the moon
Spacecraft on the moon are powered by magnets to help them navigate and stay stable. These magnetic coils are also used to power the sensors on board to help determine the exact position and speed of the craft.
The physics of magnets are quite complicated, but they are easy enough to understand that they can be applied in many ways to help a spacecraft. For example, a magnet on the surface of a satellite will help it stay steady in orbit.
Earth’s magnetic shield is produced by swirling liquid iron deep inside the planet’s core, generating electric currents that produce a protective magnetic field. This is important to our planet’s survival, as it protects us from dangerous solar radiation.
Scientists have long wondered whether the moon ever had a protective magnetic shield at any time in its 4.53 billion-year history. Using a new instrument onboard the South Korean probe Danuri, researchers have found evidence that the moon may have had one in its earlier days.
This new research, presented at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in March, suggests that the Moon may have been surrounded by a thin protective shield for billions of years. It is possible that these small shields were able to deflect solar wind and protect lunar water ice, which could be an abundant resource.
6. Magnets on a spacecraft in space
Magnets have a very important role in space exploration, and even today permanent magnets are still used in many ways. They keep astronauts healthy, help make oxygen for them to breathe, and even provide energy for the space station.
In addition, the use of magnets can also help deflect solar particles that are harmful to astronauts. These can include cosmic rays, protons, and high-energy high-Z ions that are not absorbed by Earth’s protective magnetic bubble, called the magnetosphere.
To help astronauts stay alive and healthy in space, NASA is developing new ways to divert radiation from the Sun. Their latest design, called CREW HaT, takes advantage of superconducting magnet technology to effectively shield spacecraft – and astronauts inside them – from radiation.
The researchers say their device can divert over 50% of the biology-damaging particles emitted by the Sun. The technology could be used to protect astronauts from radiation during long-duration missions, including to Mars.
Another potential application of these magnets is for creating a magnetic brake that would slow down a spacecraft as it entered a planet’s atmosphere. This can help prevent it from falling out of orbit and causing damage to the spacecraft.
In addition, researchers are working to develop electromagnets that can be used to propel spacecraft through space. This method of propulsion has never been done before and it may offer a more efficient way to send satellites into space than current methods.