A?new sensor for measuring low-amplitude magnetic fields that is ideal for small spacecraft is presented. The novel measurement principle enables the fabrication of a?low-cost sensor with low power consumption and with measuring capabilities that are comparable to recent developments for CubeSat applications. The current magnetometer, a?software-modified version of a?commercial sensor, is capable of detecting fields with amplitudes as low as 8.7?nT at 40?Hz and 2.7?nT at 1?Hz, with a?noise floor of 4?pT∕ Hz at 1?Hz. The sensor has a?linear response to less than 3?% over a?range of ±100?000?nT. All of these features make the magneto-inductive principle a?promising technology for the development of magnetic sensors for both space-borne and ground-based applications to study geomagnetic activity.
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