Cole Dorman

My research project is with MAGIC, a magnetometer instrument for the TRACERS spacecraft. Magnetometers seek to measure magnetic fields and magnetic dipole moments. For more accurate measurements, we need a magnetic cleanliness plan to help minimize local magnetic noise from the spacecraft. Under Dr. David Miles and The University of Iowa, my work begins with estimating required noise levels and sensitivity based on TRACERS stray field requirements. These estimations will be used as a guiding standard for the rest of the project. Next will be an estimation of distances to check dipole moments of test articles for the spacecraft. After the standards have been gaged, the apparatus and geometry will be sketched out to begin the process of evaluating the current hardware. We will need to assess the suitability of the current magnetic shields on the spacecraft, as well as assess the suitability of the current magnetometers. Next, we will design a testing apparatus. This will then need to be prototyped. The performance will be evaluated using known magnetic sources. A test plan will be written up to ensure quality and performance. TRACERS team members will also be demonstrated to the testing and give feedback to be incorporated for the prototype. Finally, using feedback, we will finalize the prototype as well as the testing procedure. All documentation will be released through configuration control. We will lastly test several candidate parts of the spacecraft to demonstrate the performance of the magnetic screening apparatus and protocol.