PmWiki.Biomagnetorquing History
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For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits to maintain sun-pointing.1
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. Magnetorquers have been proposed for small satellites in equatorial orbits to maintain sun-pointing.2
- Christopher T. Lefèvre, Fernanda Abreu, Ulysses Lins and Dennis A. Bazylinski, "A Bacterial Backbone: Magnetosomes in Magnetotactic Bacteria" (doi 10.1007/978-3-642-18312-6_4) in Metal Nanoparticles in Microbiology, Mahendra Rai, Nelson Duran (eds), Springer (April 12, 2011) ISBN 3642183115
- Christopher T. Lef�vre, Fernanda Abreu, Ulysses Lins and Dennis A. Bazylinski, "A Bacterial Backbone: Magnetosomes in Magnetotactic Bacteria" (doi 10.1007/978-3-642-18312-6_4) in Metal Nanoparticles in Microbiology, Mahendra Rai, Nelson Duran (eds), Springer (April 12, 2011) ISBN 3642183115
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae3 which have a much higher magnetic moment.4 Inside these magnetotactic microorganisms, magnetosomes -- cuboidal building blocks of magnetized metal -- naturally form; these blocks self-assemble into larger magnets, nanometric strands of ferric material that are still too small to resolve with an optical microscope.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae5 which have a much higher magnetic moment.6 Inside these magnetotactic microorganisms, magnetosomes -- cuboidal building blocks of magnetized metal -- naturally form; these blocks self-assemble into larger magnets, nanometric strands of ferric material that are still too small to resolve with an optical microscope.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae which have a much higher magnetic moment.7 Inside these magnetotactic microorganisms, magnetosomes -- cuboidal building blocks of magnetized metal -- naturally form; these blocks self-assemble into larger magnets, nanometric strands of ferric material that are still too small to resolve with an optical microscope.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae8 which have a much higher magnetic moment.9 Inside these magnetotactic microorganisms, magnetosomes -- cuboidal building blocks of magnetized metal -- naturally form; these blocks self-assemble into larger magnets, nanometric strands of ferric material that are still too small to resolve with an optical microscope.
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for small satellites in LEO.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.10
Magnetorquing describes a family of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for small satellites in LEO.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae which have a much higher magnetic moment.11 Inside these magnetotactic microorganisms, magnetosomes -- cuboidal building blocks of magnetized metal -- naturally form; these blocks self-assemble into larger magnets, nanometric strands of ferric material that are still too small to resolve with an optical microscope.
- Orbital debris mitigation. If a biosatellite disintegrates (whether slowly or catastrophically), the magnetic components of the magnetorquers -- magnetosomes, nanometric strands of ferric material -- will be far too small to pose a threat to other spacecraft.
- No permanent moving parts to wear out or go awry, which cannot be said of some other propellantless attitude control parts like reaction wheels.
- Orbital debris mitigation. If a biosatellite disintegrates (whether slowly or catastrophically), the magnetic components of the magnetorquers will be far too small to pose a threat to other spacecraft.
- Durability. There would be no permanent moving parts to wear out or go awry, which cannot be said of some other propellantless attitude control mechanisms like reaction wheels.
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-112
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/Magnetospirilli_with_magnetosome_chains_faintly_visible.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-113
http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/pictures/tubsata.jpeg | Tubsat-A used magnetorquers
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/78/Tubsat-A.jpeg | Tubsat-A used magnetorquers
- No permanent moving parts to wear out or go awry, which cannot be said of some other propellantless attitude control parts like reaction wheels.)
- No permanent moving parts to wear out or go awry, which cannot be said of some other propellantless attitude control parts like reaction wheels.
For attitude control applications such as these, which requiring little power, there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional attitude control. Among these, one can list:
For attitude control applications such as these, which would require little power, there could be several advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional attitude control. Specifically, one can list:
- strength - can strong enough magnets be grown?
- mechanics - how do you determine the optimal deployment of magnets?
- economics - could the investment required to culture magnetotaxic species and deploy them for attitude control be better spent elsewhere on exovivaria?
- strength - can strong enough magnets be grown?
- mechanics - how do you determine the optimal deployment of magnets?
- economics - could the investment required to culture magnetotaxic species and deploy them for attitude control be better spent elsewhere on exovivaria?
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.14
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.15 Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.16
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits to maintain sun-pointing.17
For attitude control applications such as these, which requiring little power, there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional attitude control. Among these, one can list:
- Recyclability. If a "starter" microorganism culture can be maintained,18 biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arose. Maintaining exovivaria sun-pointing might require adjustments only on a monthly basis or longer. Electromagnets that are ordinarily used on exovivaria only for robotic actuators might be used to orient the magnetotaxic microorganisms in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biodegradable material, or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for attitude change. These biomagnets could then be recycled.
- No permanent moving parts to wear out or go awry, which cannot be said of some other propellantless attitude control parts like reaction wheels.)
- Recyclability. If a "starter" culture can be maintained,19 biomagnetorquers might be grown only as sun-pointing needs arose. Sun-pointing might require adjustments only every few months. Electromagnets that would ordinarily be used on exovivaria only for small robotic actuators might be used to orient the magnetotaxic microorganisms in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biodegradable material, or possibly ice) to make as many bio-magnets as needed for the attitude change. These biomagnets could then be recycled.
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.20 Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.21 Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
== Further reading ==
Further reading
1 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
2 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
3 Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Bacteria and Algae, R.B. Frankel, Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, MIT, 1986 ⇑
4 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
5 See e.g.,Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Bacteria and Algae, R.B. Frankel, Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, MIT, 1986^. Genetically engineered algae using genes from bacteria are another possibility, see e.g., LANL develops first genetically engineered "magnetic" algae, September 27, 2011 ⇑
6 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
7 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
8 Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Bacteria and Algae, R.B. Frankel, Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory, MIT, 1986 ⇑
9 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
10 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
11 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
12 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute. This strain is the only one with a pure culture available. ⇑
13 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute. This strain is the only one with a pure culture available. ⇑
14 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
15 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
16 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
17 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
18 The environmental requirements of magnetotaxic microorganisms are unlikely to be optimal for exovivaria ecosystems. ⇑
19 The environmental requirements of magnetotaxic microorganisms are unlikely to be optimal for exovivaria ecosystems. ⇑
20 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
21 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
== Further reading ==
- Christopher T. Lefèvre, Fernanda Abreu, Ulysses Lins and Dennis A. Bazylinski, "A Bacterial Backbone: Magnetosomes in Magnetotactic Bacteria" (doi 10.1007/978-3-642-18312-6_4) in Metal Nanoparticles in Microbiology, Mahendra Rai, Nelson Duran (eds), Springer (April 12, 2011) ISBN 3642183115
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for small satellites in LEO.
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for small satellites in LEO.
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for propellantless spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in LEO.
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for small satellites in LEO.
For exovivaria, with rotation for artificial gravity already providing spin-stabilization, the only likely use for attitude control would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers can be used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.1 For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
For exovivaria, whose rotation for artificial gravity would already provide spin-stabilization, the only likely long-term attitude control requirement would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers have been used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.2 Attitude control would also be important for establishing sun-pointing in the first place. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
- Orbital debris mitigation. If a biosatellite disintegrates (whether slowly or catastrophically), the magnetic components of the magnetorquer -- magnetosomes, nanometric strands of ferric material -- will be far too small to pose a threat to other spacecraft.
- Recyclability. If a "starter" microorganism culture can be maintained,3 biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arise. If exovivaria sun-pointing is not a daily concern, these needs might be infrequent. Electromagnets usually used as robotic actuators might also be used to orient the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for a maneuver. These biomagnets might then be recycled.
- Orbital debris mitigation. If a biosatellite disintegrates (whether slowly or catastrophically), the magnetic components of the magnetorquers -- magnetosomes, nanometric strands of ferric material -- will be far too small to pose a threat to other spacecraft.
- Recyclability. If a "starter" microorganism culture can be maintained,4 biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arose. Maintaining exovivaria sun-pointing might require adjustments only on a monthly basis or longer. Electromagnets that are ordinarily used on exovivaria only for robotic actuators might be used to orient the magnetotaxic microorganisms in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biodegradable material, or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for attitude change. These biomagnets could then be recycled.
- strength - can strong enough magnets be made?
- electromechanic - how do you determine the optimal deployment of magnets?
- economic - is the investment required to culture magnetotaxic species and deploy them for attitude control better spent elsewhere on exovivaria?
- strength - can strong enough magnets be grown?
- mechanics - how do you determine the optimal deployment of magnets?
- economics - could the investment required to culture magnetotaxic species and deploy them for attitude control be better spent elsewhere on exovivaria?
For exovivaria artificial gravity already providing spin-stabilization, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to keep them sun-pointing. Magnetorquers can be used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.5 For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
For exovivaria, with rotation for artificial gravity already providing spin-stabilization, the only likely use for attitude control would be to keep the axis sun-pointing as the Earth travels around the sun. Magnetorquers can be used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.6 For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to keep them sun-pointing. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
For exovivaria artificial gravity already providing spin-stabilization, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to keep them sun-pointing. Magnetorquers can be used for small satellites in equatorial orbits.7 For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-18
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-19
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif/219px-Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif | Earth as a "geodynamo" magnet
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif/219px-Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif | Earth as a "geodynamo" magnet
- electromechanic - how do you compute the optimal deployment?
- electromechanic - how do you determine the optimal deployment of magnets?
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-110
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for propellantless spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in LEO.
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-111
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for propellantless spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in LEO.
http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/pictures/tubsata.jpeg | Student-built Tubsat-A used magnetorquers
http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/pictures/tubsata.jpeg | Tubsat-A used magnetorquers
- Recyclability. If a "starter" bacterial culture can be maintained, biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arise. If exovivaria sun-pointing is not a daily concern, these needs might be infrequent. Electromagnets usually used as robotic actuators might also be used to orient the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for a maneuver. These biomagnets might then be recycled.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif/219px-Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif | Earth as a "geodynamo" magnet
Biomagnetorquing faces a number of challenges, among them:
- electromagnetic - can strong enough magnets be made?
- electromechanical - how do you compute the optimal deployment?
- Recyclability. If a "starter" microorganism culture can be maintained,12 biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arise. If exovivaria sun-pointing is not a daily concern, these needs might be infrequent. Electromagnets usually used as robotic actuators might also be used to orient the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for a maneuver. These biomagnets might then be recycled.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif/219px-Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif | Earth as a "geodynamo" magnet
Biomagnetorquing faces a number of design challenges, among them:
- strength - can strong enough magnets be made?
- electromechanic - how do you compute the optimal deployment?
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-113
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-114
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Ferromag_Matl_Sketch.JPG
http://space.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/QuickLooks/pictures/tubsata.jpeg | Student-built Tubsat-A used magnetorquers
- Recyclability. So long as a "starter" bacterial culture can be minimally maintained, new biomagnetorquer materials might be grown only as attitude control needs arose. These needs might be infrequent, if only approximate sun-pointing proves to be adequate for exovivaria. Electromagnets that would be ordinarily used on exovivaria as robotic actuators might be temporarily pressed into service for orienting the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to create as many bio-magnets as necessary for a particular maneuver.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/VFPt_Earths_Magnetic_Field_Confusion.svg/120px-VFPt_Earths_Magnetic_Field_Confusion.svg.png
- Recyclability. If a "starter" bacterial culture can be maintained, biomagnetorquer magnets might be grown only as attitude control needs arise. If exovivaria sun-pointing is not a daily concern, these needs might be infrequent. Electromagnets usually used as robotic actuators might also be used to orient the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to make as many bio-magnets as needed for a maneuver. These biomagnets might then be recycled.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif/219px-Geodynamo_After_Reversal.gif | Earth as a "geodynamo" magnet
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Ferromag_Matl_Sketch.JPG
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/VFPt_Earths_Magnetic_Field_Confusion.svg/120px-VFPt_Earths_Magnetic_Field_Confusion.svg.png
http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/magm1/magm1.jpg | Magnetococcus strain MC-115
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to maintain sun-pointing, which is a relatively low-power, low-speed requirement. In this case, there might be a number of advantages over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels:
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to keep them sun-pointing. For applications such as these (requiring little power), there might be a number of advantages of biomagnetorquing over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels. Among these, one can list:
Biomagnetorqueing faces a number of challenges, among them:
Biomagnetorquing faces a number of challenges, among them:
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.[See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3^]
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.16
Biomagnetorquing is currently under consideration for a partial-proof-of-concept experiment on KickSat.17
Biomagnetorquing is currently under consideration by Project Persephone for a partial-proof-of-concept experiment on KickSat.18
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that depends on interactions between magnetic fields in the spacecraft and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in low orbits.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae19
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to maintain sun-pointing, which is a fairly low-power, low-speed requirement. In this case, there might be a number of advantages over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels:
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for propellantless spacecraft attitude control that relies on interactions between spacecraft-generated magnetic fields and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in LEO.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae.[See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3^]
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to maintain sun-pointing, which is a relatively low-power, low-speed requirement. In this case, there might be a number of advantages over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels:
Magnetorquing describes a class of techniques for spacecraft attitude control that depends on interactions between magnetic fields in the spacecraft and external magnetic fields -- usually just one external field, the Earth's, and usually only for satellites in low orbits.
Biomagnetorquing would use magnetic fields generated by living organisms -- specifically, magnetotactic bacteria but possibly also magnetotactic algae20
For exovivaria already spin-stabilized by artificial gravity, the only purpose of attitude control would probably be to maintain sun-pointing, which is a fairly low-power, low-speed requirement. In this case, there might be a number of advantages over conventional magnetorquers and over other propellantless attitude control systems such as reaction wheels:
- Orbital debris mitigation. If a biosatellite disintegrates (whether slowly or catastrophically), the magnetic components of the magnetorquer -- magnetosomes, nanometric strands of ferric material -- will be far too small to pose a threat to other spacecraft.
- Recyclability. So long as a "starter" bacterial culture can be minimally maintained, new biomagnetorquer materials might be grown only as attitude control needs arose. These needs might be infrequent, if only approximate sun-pointing proves to be adequate for exovivaria. Electromagnets that would be ordinarily used on exovivaria as robotic actuators might be temporarily pressed into service for orienting the magnetotaxic bacteria in a non-metallic matrix (some exovivarium-produced biomaterial or possibly ice) in order to create as many bio-magnets as necessary for a particular maneuver.
Biomagnetorqueing faces a number of challenges, among them:
- electromagnetic - can strong enough magnets be made?
- electromechanical - how do you compute the optimal deployment?
- economic - is the investment required to culture magnetotaxic species and deploy them for attitude control better spent elsewhere on exovivaria?
Biomagnetorquing is currently under consideration for a partial-proof-of-concept experiment on KickSat.21
1 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
2 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
3 The environmental requirements of magnetotaxic microorganisms are unlikely to be optimal for exovivaria ecosystems. ⇑
4 The environmental requirements of magnetotaxic microorganisms are unlikely to be optimal for exovivaria ecosystems. ⇑
5 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
6 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
7 See e.g., Sedlund, C.A. "A simple sun-pointing magnetic controller for satellites in equatorial orbits". IEEE 2009 Aerospace Conference. DOI 10.1109/AERO.2009.4839544 ⇑
8 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute. This strain is the only one with a pure culture available. ⇑
9 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute. This strain is the only one with a pure culture available. ⇑
10 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute ⇑
11 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute. This strain is the only one with a pure culture available. ⇑
12 The environmental requirements of magnetotaxic microorganisms are unlikely to be optimal for exovivaria ecosystems. ⇑
13 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute ⇑
14 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute ⇑
15 "Magnetococcus sp. MC-1", DOE Joint Genome Institute ⇑
16 See e.g., ^F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
17 "KickSat -- Your personal spacecraft in space!", Zachary Manchester, Cornell University Space Design Studio ⇑
18 "KickSat -- Your personal spacecraft in space!", Zachary Manchester, Cornell University Space Design Studio ⇑
19 F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
20 F.F. Torres de Araujo, M.A. Pires, R.B. Frankel, C.E. M. Bicudo, "Magnetite and Magnetotaxis in Algae", Biophys. J. 50(2) Aug '86, pp. 375-378 doi:10.1016/S0006-3495(86)83471-3 ⇑
21 "KickSat -- Your personal spacecraft in space!", Zachary Manchester, Cornell University Space Design Studio ⇑