Strategy of magnetometer calibration for nano-satellite missions and in-orbit performance

Magnetometers are lightweight, reliable, and low power consumption sensors, therefore most of nano and micro satellites in low-earth orbit have adopted magnetometers as an attitude sensor. These days, the nano and micro satellites, specifically for remote-sensing and astronomical missions, must meet strict attitude requirements for obtaining scientific data or images. These missions require precise geomagnetic field data for precise attitude control. In order to obtain precise geomagnetic field data, eects of noise which can be caused from temperature change, residual magnetic moment of a satellite, and magnetic anomaly should be canceled. This research proposes methods to estimate these eects and cancel in orbit for nano-satellites, and assesses the proposing methods using in-orbit performance and simulation results.