DC Magnetic Cleanliness Description for Spaceflight Programs

A system‐level magnetic compatibility test should be planned for the spacecraft in addition to the subsystem‐level measurements. The system level test should determine the overall spacecraft magnetic field at the magnetometer sensor locations. This chapter presents a comprehensive checklist of the magnetic cleanliness program. Communication of magnetic requirements is of major importance in implementing a magnetic cleanliness program on a large project. The magnetic control plan provides the overall philosophy and guidance necessary to ensure the integrity of the spacecraft magnetic characteristics. A magnetic control board is necessary to assure the adherence to the magnetic control plan, the implementation of necessary corrective measures, and the overall guidance to the project. It is very important for a materials screening panel to be in place and active early in the design phase. Magnetic shields simply shunt the field lines by proving a low reluctance path, thus directing the field around the protected component.