Design of a Compact Space Search Coil Magnetometer

Area of Science:

• Space Science
• Magnetometry
• Instrument Design

Background:

• Conventional search coil magnetometers (SCMs) often have high mass and power demands.
• Meeting sensitivity requirements for space missions can exacerbate these issues.
• Platform constraints in space missions necessitate more compact and efficient instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and test a space search coil magnetometer (SSCM) concept.
• To reduce sensor mass and electronic power consumption.
• To ensure practical system operability for platform-constrained missions.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a rolling-sheet core for mass reduction.
• Utilized printed circuit board (PCB)-based interconnections for windings.
• Employed an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for power-efficient amplification.
• Developed a compact, modular control electronics unit (1U CubeSat form factor).

Main Results:

• Achieved mass reduction through novel core configuration.
• Demonstrated stable operation of the integrated sensor-electronics chain.
• Measured a system-level noise-equivalent magnetic induction (NEMI) of 33 fT/√Hz at 1 kHz.
• Verified structural safety and functional stability through environmental testing (vibration, thermal cycling).

Conclusions:

• The proposed SSCM architecture offers a practical solution for low-mass, low-power magnetic field measurements.
• This design is suitable for platform-constrained space missions.
• The study validates the feasibility of the SSCM concept through ground-based testing.