We use magnets in a variety of ways when it comes to studying and traveling in space.. From satellites to landing on the moon, magnets play a key role in the equipment used for space exploration. Here are three different examples of how we use magnets to learn more about outer space.

  • Magnetic Torquers

Magnetic torquers or magnetorquers are one method of orienting objects such as satellites in space. They create a magnetic dipole to interact with Earth’s magnetic field and help situate satellites and spacecrafts. Magnetorquers usually consist of wire coils and magnetic alloy rods placed strategically on a satellite.

  • Magnet Motor

The memory system developed by MIT for the navigational computers of the Apollo 11 lunar mission used magnets to generate power instead of relying on electricity. Using magnetic energy made the system more reliable because it was less susceptible to power outages. Without the navigational computers designed for the Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong, Mike Collins and Buzz Aldrin may not have had such a successful mission.

  • Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

A more recent space experiment occurred in 2011 when the spacecraft, Endeavor, delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the International Space Station (ISS). The AMS was designed and placed on the space station to study antimatter and dark matter. Essentially, the AMS is a really strong, permanent magnet. When particles interact with the magnetic field of the AMS they bend in different ways based on their charge. Its purpose is to help scientists study the particles from cosmic phenomena such as black holes and dying stars. The AMS is an amazing achievement requiring delicate structuring and maneuvering to get to the station. The brainchild of Samuel Ting, the AMS took 18 years to complete, cost as much as $2 billion, and has a magnetic field 20,000 times stronger than Earth’s. In 2013, researchers announced their findings from the AMS experiment. They were able to conclusively prove the existence of an excess of positrons or high-energy particles of antimatter. While magnets are used extensively now, they have the potential to improve space exploration even more in the future. Look for next week’s post to learn more about the future of magnets in space.