Feasibility Study of Performing the DC Magnetic Field Emission Test for OPIC with Helmholtz Coils in Tartu Observatory

Abstract

The OPIC space instrument, which is developed by Tartu Observatory, needs to be thoroughly tested before launch. One of the required tests is the DC Magnetic field emission test. Since doing it elsewhere is more time consuming and expensive, it is preferred to do this in-house. Although Tartu Observatory has Helmholtz coils, they have not been thoroughly tested and have minimal documentation. The thesis aims to study the feasibility of performing this test with existing hardware. During the thesis, the author developed control logic for Helmholtz coils and made additional hardware for magnetometer placement. Furthermore, the author tested the stability and uniformity of the created magnetic field and analyzed the hardware’s suitability for the test.

Tartu Observatooriumi poolt välja töötatud kosmoseaparatuur OPIC vajab enne lennustarti põhjalikku testimist. Üks vajalikest testidest on alalisvoolu magnetvälja emissiooni test. Kuna mujal testide tegemine on aeganõudvam ja kulukam, on eelistatud seda teha majasiseselt. Kuigi Tartu Observatooriumis on Helmholtzi poolid olemas, pole neid põhjalikult testitud ja nende kohta on minimaalselt dokumentatsiooni. Lõputöö eesmärk on uurida testi teostatavust olemasoleva riistvaraga. Lõputöö käigus töötas autor välja Helmholtzi poolide juhtimisloogika ja valmistas täiendava riistvara magnetomeetri paigutamiseks. Lisaks testis autor loodud magnetvälja stabiilsust ja ühtlust ning analüüsis riistvara sobivust testiks.