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Magnetic Field Modeling and Visualization of the Europa Clipper Spacecraft
Corey J Cochrane1, Neil Murphy1, Carol A Raymond1
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA.
Space Science Reviews
|May 30, 2023
Summary
Scientists developed a spacecraft magnetic field model to accurately measure Europa's ocean and ice shell. This model helps distinguish the spacecraft's magnetic interference from Jupiter's moon Europa's environment.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Spacecraft Engineering
- Geophysics
Background:
- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission aims to assess Europa's subsurface ocean habitability.
- Measuring Europa's ocean and ice shell requires sensing induced magnetic fields.
- The Europa Clipper spacecraft's own magnetic field interferes with these measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a comprehensive magnetic field model of the Europa Clipper spacecraft.
- To enable accurate characterization of Europa's subsurface ocean and ice shell.
- To validate methods for disentangling spacecraft magnetic fields from ambient measurements.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of over 260 magnetic sources within the Europa Clipper spacecraft.
- Evaluation of the spacecraft's magnetic field at instrument locations using the model.
- Application of Monte Carlo methods to assess magnetic field uncertainty.
- Development of linear and non-linear gradiometry fitting methods for field separation.
Main Results:
- A detailed magnetic field model of the Europa Clipper spacecraft was created.
- The model accurately predicts magnetic field interference at magnetometer and plasma instrument locations.
- Gradiometry fitting methods successfully demonstrate the ability to separate spacecraft and ambient magnetic fields.
- The model aids in optimizing magnetometer sensor placement on the spacecraft's boom.
Conclusions:
- The developed magnetic field model is crucial for the success of Europa Clipper's magnetic investigations.
- Effective methods exist to mitigate spacecraft magnetic field interference for accurate scientific measurements.
- The model provides valuable insights for mission operations and data interpretation.
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