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The IMAP Magnetometer
T S Horbury1, H L O'Brien1, C Greenaway1
1Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK.
Space Science Reviews
|May 7, 2026
Summary
The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) magnetometer provides crucial space weather data. Its advanced fluxgate design ensures high-fidelity measurements for studying energetic particle acceleration and propagation.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Heliophysics
- Astrophysics
Background:
- The Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission aims to investigate energetic particle acceleration and propagation.
- In situ and remote measurements are critical for understanding the heliosphere and space weather.
- A robust magnetometer is essential for achieving IMAP's scientific objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the requirements, design, and performance of the Magnetometer (MAG) instrument for the IMAP mission.
- To highlight MAG's contribution to IMAP's science goals, including energetic particle studies and space weather monitoring.
- To present the instrument's capabilities, including its measurement cadence, noise floor, and data processing plans.
Main Methods:
- Description of a conventional dual-sensor fluxgate magnetometer design.
- Implementation of a novel lossless data compression algorithm.
- Continuous and burst mode data acquisition strategies at specified cadences (2 vectors/s, 64 vectors/s).
Main Results:
- The MAG instrument meets stringent requirements with a noise floor below 10 pT at 1 Hz.
- Continuous science measurements at 2 vectors/s and burst mode at 64 vectors/s are supported.
- A real-time space weather monitoring product is available at a 4-second cadence.
Conclusions:
- The MAG instrument is designed to provide high-quality magnetic field data crucial for IMAP's mission objectives.
- The instrument's capabilities support both detailed scientific investigations and real-time space weather applications.
- Comprehensive data products, processing, and calibration plans ensure the utility and reliability of the MAG data.
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