[amsat-bb] Re: Could we raise orbit thru magnetorque?

Argument is: if when satellite is in the north, a north magnetic field is applied on z plane, will satellite raise orbit ? Same but opposite on south. Considering limited energy available could this raise be significant if applied on all orbits ?.

I believe magnetorquing can only change the orientation of a satellite and not its orbit. It is certainly used in the process of changing an orbit, in order to get a thrusting device pointing in a direction where it will do something useful. But by itself, it can't change an orbit. It can help point antennas in the proper direction, etc.

-- KD6PAG (Networking Old-Timer, Satellite QRPer)