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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
We propose to investigate the possibility of using commercially available magneto-resistive and/or magnetic-inductive sensors (e.g. the magnetometers typically used in smart phones) to conduct scientifically useful measurements in extremely resource-constrained space environments (i.e. mission designs where the available mass and power are << 1 kg and << 1 W).
As noted, the unmodified capabilities of these commercial instruments are expected to be insufficient to address typical science requirements for magnetometry. However, there are numerous upcoming mission opportunities that are extremely resource constrained but correspondingly have modest science requirements. Properly modified commercially derived micro-magnetometers could likely address these missions.
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