Contra-rotating geomagnetic energy storage for space debris de-orbiting

The patent replaces chemical/electric thrust systems with a magnetic coupling system that uses magnetic fields to transfer angular momentum. The magnetic coupling device generates magnetic moments that interact with the geomagnetic field to produce torque, eliminating the need for expensive propellant-based thrust systems while achieving orbital decay.

The patent introduces the geomagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer energy and momentum. By coupling the magnetic moment of the device with the Earth's magnetic field, the system achieves de-orbit functionality without direct mechanical or chemical propulsion, using the planet's own magnetic field as the working medium.

The patent extracts the magnetic coupling device from the tether structure, separating the magnetic momentum transfer function from the physical tether. This eliminates the tether's vulnerability to debris and micrometeors while retaining the ability to transfer angular momentum through magnetic fields, thus improving reliability without sacrificing the non-consumptive advantage.

The patent replaces the mechanical tether system with a magnetic coupling system. Instead of using a physical rope that is susceptible to damage from space debris, the system uses magnetic fields to couple the de-orbit device with the spacecraft, eliminating mechanical contact points that could fail due to micrometeoroid impacts.