Aspects of Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Cleanliness on Space Platforms

Abstract

Nowadays, a wide range of space missions accommodate ever-stricter electromagnetic cleanliness requirements arising either from the need for more precise measurements or from the implementation of highly sensitive equipment. Therefore, the establishment of a methodology that ensures the minimization of the electric and/or magnetic field in specific areas inside or outside the spacecraft structure is crucial. Towards this goal, the current chapter proposes that utilizing the results of a process completed during the early design stages of a mission, that is, the measurement and characterization of each implemented device, the desired elimination of the field can be achieved. In particular, the emerged electromagnetic signatures of the units are proven essential for the proposed methodology, which, using a heuristic approach, defines the optimal ordinance of the equipment that leads to system-level electromagnetic field minimization in the volume of interest. The dimensions of the devices and the effect of the conductive surfaces of the spacecraft's hull are also taken into account.