Are induced currents of any concern in satellite missions?

AI Thread Summary
Satellites in orbit around Earth can experience induced currents due to changing magnetic fields, but these currents are generally weak and not a significant concern for engineers. The high-speed movement of satellites through Earth's magnetic field creates an electric dipole moment, which is typically not strong enough to protect circuits from solar flares. While the effects of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are more impactful than induced currents, the latter usually manifest as a weak electric field rather than a harmful current. There are practical applications for these induced effects, such as in cubesat magnetic stabilization and electrodynamic tethers. Overall, induced currents are not a major concern for the functionality of satellites in orbit.
Yoni
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TL;DR Summary
Are induced currents of any concern in a satellites mission?
A satellite in an orbit around Earth can be subjected to a changing magnetic field (due to eccentricity or angle of orbit or both) which can induce currents on its envelope.
Are these currents negligible or are they of any concern to engineers?

Also, as I understand it, the satellites high speed movement inside Earth's magnetic field would induce an electric dipole moment in the satellite (perpendicular to it's movement and external magnetic field). How would this dipole affect the satellite? Can it protect the circuits from solar flares? What if two vessels in contact detach, can they remain charged?
 
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Thanks.
But, putting CME's aside, the induced currents (as explained above) are they of any concern for a functioning satellite?
 
Yoni said:
But, putting CME's aside, the induced currents (as explained above) are they of any concern for a functioning satellite?
Usually that's not current, but only an electric field. It is (usually) weak and only slowly changing. It is not really a 'concern', not around Earth anyway.
However. There are actual uses:
- google up 'cubesat magnetic stabilization'
- google up 'Electrodynamic tether'
 
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Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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