Emtech Space Snapshot Multi-Magnetometer Facility (Snapshot-MMF)
Emtech Space
Fixed 12-sensor fluxgate array for rapid, high-accuracy spacecraft magnetic signature characterization — full measurement in ~1 minute. Installed at ESA ESTEC since 2017.
Technical specifications
- Sensor array
- 12 Bartington Mag-13MS fluxgate magnetometers
- Panel diameter
- ~2.3 m (circular)
- Acquisition channels
- 36
- ADC resolution
- 18 bit
- Measurement time
- ~1 minute (full signature)
- Capabilities
- DC dipole modeling + AC transient measurement
- Output
- Automated Multi-Dipole Model (MDM)
- Installation
- ESA ESTEC central cleanroom, Noordwijk (since 2017)
- Suitcase-mmf frequency range
- DC to 50,000 Hz
- Suitcase-mmf connectivity
- Wireless Bluetooth, smartphone Aruco tag positioning
About
The Snapshot Multi-Magnetometer Facility (Snapshot-MMF), developed by Emtech Space, is a fixed-array magnetic cleanliness testing system that characterizes a spacecraft’s complete magnetic signature in approximately one minute. The system uses 12 simultaneously-sampling Bartington Mag-13MS fluxgate magnetometers arranged on a 2.3 m circular panel, with 36 acquisition channels at 18-bit resolution — eliminating temporal drift errors that affect sequential single-sensor measurements.
Originally developed as an ESA initiative starting in 2014, the Snapshot-MMF has been installed at the ESA ESTEC central cleanroom in Noordwijk since 2017, where it supports routine magnetic cleanliness verification for ESA missions. AI-powered analysis and enhanced AC/DC capabilities have since been added. The system measures both DC dipole moments (for permanent magnetic characterization) and AC transient signatures (for interference analysis during operational modes).
Emtech Space’s complementary Suitcase-MMF is a portable variant that fits in a carry-on suitcase, uses a smartphone camera with Aruco tag positioning, and supports Bluetooth-connected sensors for field deployments where transporting hardware to a fixed facility is not practical. Both systems output automated Multi-Dipole Models (MDM) ready for mission compliance verification.
Emtech Space also operates an ADCS validation facility (EOS) featuring 3D Helmholtz coils and air bearings for CubeSat/microsatellite ADCS testing, and develops the ODES cloud-based simulation suite and AstroCore-R AI-native onboard computer.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.