Proper Equipment Ordinance for Achieving EM Cleanliness in Space Missions: The Case of ELF Electric Sources

A constant electromagnetic compatibility issue in the majority of space missions is the accurate EMI source identification and modeling. This is necessary in order to provide electromagnetic (EM) cleanliness in a specific area inside or outside the spacecraft, where sensitive measurement equipment is placed. Authors in previous work have presented a stochastic process capable to accurately predict the EM signature of a device both for transient and steady-state emissions. In this article, a supplementary methodology is proposed, using the models from the previously established process, to achieve electromagnetic cleanliness. Authors claim that EM cleanliness is possible to be achieved inside or outside a specific area of the spacecraft structure with proper equipment ordinance and if necessary the aid of an additional auxiliary source. The proposed methodology is using a heuristic approach to find the optimum positions of the available equipment. The equipment when placed at these positions presents a minimum total electromagnetic field at a specific point or region. Moreover, if necessary, the total field can be further minimized with the addition of an auxiliary source.