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Precision Magnetometers for Aerospace Applications: A Review
James S Bennett1, Brian E Vyhnalek2, Hamish Greenall1
1School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 28, 2021
Summary
Advanced magnetometers are essential for aerospace applications, enabling precise measurements and reliable craft control. Future optical magnetometers promise enhanced performance for space exploration and navigation.
Area of Science:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Physics
- Instrumentation
Background:
- Aerospace technologies are vital for communication, navigation, and exploration.
- Reliable craft control and high-precision measurements are critical for aerospace missions.
- Magnetometers are key instruments for both control and measurement in space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review past, present, and emerging magnetometer technologies for aerospace.
- To highlight the advantages of optical readout magnetometers.
- To explore future applications enabled by advanced magnetometers.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current magnetometer instruments and their aerospace applications.
- Focus on optical magnetometers, including atomic, diamond defect, and optomechanical types.
- Analysis of performance metrics such as sensitivity, size, weight, and power consumption.
Main Results:
- Magnetometers have a proven track record in numerous successful aerospace missions.
- Optical magnetometers offer superior performance characteristics compared to existing techniques.
- These advancements enable new possibilities in unmanned vehicles, navigation, and exploration.
Conclusions:
- Magnetometers are indispensable for aerospace applications.
- Optical magnetometers represent a significant technological advancement.
- Future developments in magnetometers will drive innovation in space exploration and utilization.
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