New Techniques of Magnetic Cleanliness for Present and Near Future Missions

Abstract

Present space missions often have strict requirements on the magnetic cleanliness of the equipment. To characterize the magnetic signature of the equipment implies measurements in a magnetically controlled facility, adequate procedures and a powerful processing methodology. The combination of new scientific challenges to measure with the harsh conditions of present and near future missions, rise new requirements for the embarked equipment. One example of this question is the thermomagnetic signature of the devices. This is motivated by the extreme swings of temperature as well as the dependence of the magnetic properties and the electrical resistance (in voltage controlled systems) with the temperature. To guarantee the compliance of the systems with the requirements, the tests have to start in the initial stages of the projects when obviously representative equipment is not fully integrated and therefore cannot be tested. This situation has been overcome by INTA Space Magnetism Laboratory (SML) with a methodology which includes: analysis of the parts magnetic behavior with temperature, building of models and comparison of the results from models (initial stages from models) and experimental tests when the systems are assembled (later stages of the projects). This kind of methodology is compatible with redesign in case of detection of critical components at the early phases of the design and development, and furthermore with the procurement (with long delivery times in the case of space components) in order to comply with the mission calendar.This manuscript deals with the methodology implemented for the thermomagnetic characterization of systems and subsystems.