LASP Magnetosphere Seminars

Abstract

Accurate magnetic field measurements are essential for advancing modern space physics as well as satellite design and operations. Future space exploration will benefit from highly sensitive, compact magnetometers capable of covering a broad frequency range. For the past sixty years, two main magnetometer types have been used on space missions: fluxgate and search-coil. Fluxgates measure low frequencies, while search-coils cover high frequencies. Using both to achieve wide bandwidth adds mass, power, and complexity. To minimize interference, these instruments must be placed apart – a challenge for smallsat platforms. The miniature magneto-optical magnetometer (MiniMag), based on the Faraday effect, addresses this gap by measuring from DC to MHz with a single instrument. MiniMag meets the growing demand for small, low-power, high-sensitivity sensors and supports the trend toward miniaturized payloads for solar system exploration. A concept instrument has been designed, built, and lab-tested at LASP and UCCS, demonstrating its feasibility for space applications. In this presentation, I will talk about the instrument’s capabilities and trace its development from the initial concept through LASP IRAD to NASA H-TIDeS.