Development of a 3U Plasma Magnet Technology Demonstrator

The Plasma Magnet (PM) is a propulsion concept leveraging a rotating magnetic field (RMF) current drive technique to generate a large artificial magnetosphere, deflecting the solar wind and thus generating drag. This propulsion scheme could offer accelerations up to 0.5 m/s^2, opening up the door to low-cost access to deep space. However, the PM has yet to be demonstrated in space. Although Freeze et al. have proposed a 16U technology demonstrator capable of a 28 day flyby of Jupiter, such a mission would be highly risky and might prove currently too expensive. Therefore, we propose two missions based on a 3U CubeSat platform, to both lower the cost and de-risk the technology. We outline in this article the design process of a PM. Four key areas have been identified where design choices must be made: RMF generation, material of the loops, heat management strategy, and the shape-maintaining mechanism. Each choice is discussed and the options compared with each other, as such laying out the design process not only for the two missions proposed but for every subsequent development of Plasma Magnet technology.