Magnetic trapping in orbit

A toroidal solenoid in orbit can represent a magnetic trap for bodies carrying dipole moment. We find the dependence of the trap dimensions on the electrical parameters and the orbit height. There is no trap if the solenoid radius exceeds a certain value. Various trap dimensions are calculated for a non-spinning space station in Earth or Sun orbit. The trap dimension is nearly independent of the solenoid orientation so that the solenoid may be fastened to the station rigidly. If the solenoid radius is in the range of some meters, the trap dimension is one order of magnitude greater for a distant Earth orbit and two orders of magnitude for an orbit around the Sun at distances of the order of one AU. The calculations are performed for a non-superconducting solenoid. The trap can be used for simplifying the docking on of maintenance vehicles or building modules, as safety mechanism for crewmembers working in outer space, and for the collection of paramagnetic or ferromagnetic dust stopped by mechanical means.