Fluxgate Magnetometer (SSM) for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Block 5D-2, Flight 7

A triaxial fluxgate magnometer has been successfully flown on a satellite of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. This instrument is sensitive enough to be used for scientific studies as well as for spacecraft operations. Unlike previous scientific-quality magnetometers in space, the sensor for this instrument is not mounted on a long boom but is mounted on the outer skin of the satellite, under the thermal blanket. While magnetic signals from the spacecraft are noticeable in the data, they do not significantly degrade the quality of the data. Algorithms are now available to process the magnetic field data in a quick format. This enables a researcher to locate in the data the signature of disturbances in the earth's magnetic field due to geophysical events. In particular, the signature of field-aligned currents associated with high-latitude phenomena such as aurora can be found in the data. Additional keywords: Ionospheres; Geomagnetic fields; F7 spacecraft.