High-precision magnetic field measurement system based on a coherent population trapping magnetometer onboard the SATech-01 satellite

On July 27, 2022, a high-precision system for measuring the magnetic field based on a coherent population trapping magnetometer (referred to as the CPT system) was launched onboard the Space Advanced Technology demonstration satellite (SATech-01) by a ZK-1A rocket. The payload comprises a scalar coherent population trapping magnetometer (CPTM), triaxial anisotropic magnetoresistance magnetometer (AMRM), and nano star tracker mounted on a non-magnetic telescopic tubular mast. This configuration enables synchronized measurement of scalar and vector geomagnetic fields, as well as the attitude, making the payload with its compact sensors suitable for applications on miniature satellite platforms. On November 7, 2022, the novel telescopic tubular mast was deployed in orbit, extending to a length of 5.28 m. The CPTM, an absolute scalar magnetometer with an omnidirectional sensor, is the first China-developed quantum/atomic magnetometer successfully operating in space. In orbit, the CPTM has sensitivity of similar to 10 pT/Hz1/2 and can automatically operate under complex magnetic field variations. The difference between the scalar fields obtained using the CPTM and CHAOS model has a mean deviation of -3.73 nT and a standard deviation of 26.11 nT (1 sigma), without on-orbit calibration or correction. The miniaturized AMRM has a sensitivity of similar to 0.3 nT/Hz1/2 and maintains stable and reliable operation in orbit. The low-power and miniaturized nano star tracker has a measurement uncertainty of 14.23 '' (1 sigma) in orbit. The mission has realized the on-orbit technical verification of the integrated and synchronized detection of the vector magnetic field and attitude and fully validated the system's performance, automation level, and reliability.