The calibrated three‐axis fluxgate magnetometer used to establish the zero of the cancellation system can also be used for magnetic signature measurements. The item-under-test is first removed to a position at which it can no longer be seen by the magnetometer and the zero condition established. The item is then brought up to a known distance for each of its three geometric axes and the magnetic flux density measured for forward and reverse directions. From these the magnetic dipole moment can be calculated. Either of these quantities can be compared to the customer requirements to see if the item passes for magnetic signature. Magnetic signature measurements have been made on various satellite components, including batteries, On-board computers and thrusters. The facilities also provide for customer specific ‘Perming’ and ‘De-perming’ profiles to be included as part of the measurement procedure.
