MAGNAS-Magnetic Nanoprobe SWARM

This paper presents the Magnetic Nano-Probe Swarm mission utilising a constellation of several swarms of nano-satellites in order to acquire simultaneous measurements of the geomagnetic field resolving the local field gradients. The space segment comprises of up to 4 S/C swarms each consisting of up to 6 nano-satellites (Nano-Probes) and 1 mother spacecraft (MSC) to be launched with a single launcher in polar low Earth orbits. The Nano-Probes, equipped with magnetometer payloads operate in the vicinity of the MSCs. The MSCs will eject the NPs after acquisition of the initial orbits, provide control and maintenance of the swarm constellation and serve as communication relay to the ground. The systems design relies on near-to-medium term technology.