Novel Approach to Spacecraft System Level Magnetic Test at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

A novel and unique spacecraft system level magnetic test method was conceptualized, designed, and developed to support two concurrent spacecrafts built at NASA JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Psyche and Europa Clipper, both equipped with science-grade magnetometers. This method did not require the use of a large three-axis Helmholtz/Braunbeck coils or a mu-metal shielded chamber, typically used by the majority of magnetic test facilities to remove Earth’s magnetic field. The method was accurate and robust, scalable from small electronic assemblies to large flight systems, portable, cost effective, and relatively risk-free to the spacecraft. The method underwent proof-of-concept testing with a known magnetic source as well as a mock-up spacecraft. Ultimately, it was successfully performed on the Psyche spacecraft and Europa Clipper spacecraft.