Spacemag, Bartington Instruments' first magnetometer for use in space, is to be carried in a satellite designed by the Instituto Universitario de Microgravedad 'Ignacio Da Riva' of Spain's Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (IDR/UPM).
The satellite UPMSAT-2 is being manufactured and assembled by IDR/UPM and will be launched into a low-earth polar orbit by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Spacemag will be fitted to the satellite and will collect in-flight magnetic field information.
Spacemag is a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer, designed for use in spacecraft attitude control systems. Lightweight, low noise, with minimal heat output, it has been shock and vibration tested to NASA-STD-7001, and its vacuum-compatible components are specified for 100 kRad.
The sensor was tested at Rutherford Appleton Laboratories to verify its functionality for long-term use in a space environment.
Key features:
- Measurement range of ±75 µT
- Noise performance of <20 pTrms/Hz at 1Hz
- Power consumption of 750 mW
- Radiation hardened components to 100 kRad doses
- Vacuum compatible
About Bartington
Bartington Instruments designs and manufactures a wide range of magnetic measuring instruments, used globally in the defense, aerospace, geophysics, and physics sectors. Its products include single- and three-axis magnetic field sensors, fluxgate gradiometers, and magnetic susceptibility measuring equipment. For further information email [email protected].