Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPMInnovative materials and designs for magnetic shielding
Magnetic fields can interfere with the functionality of highly sensitive space instruments. Therefore, the ability to control magnetic cleanliness is crucial for space missions. As part of the Maggie project, funded by ESA, Fraunhofer IPM together with partners from research is developing lightweight, thin, and flexible-in-shape magnetic shielding materials that can be applied using spray-coating technology. The layers applied are at least 200 µm thick and can shield the entire relevant frequency range from DC to RF.
Multi-layer systems can be easily created, which significantly increases the shielding effect and allows for tailoring to specific requirements. For example, this technology can be used for reaction wheels, motors, batteries, electronics, and highly sensitive sensors. This approach has been successfully tested, and we can now manufacture sprayable shielding (patent pending).
We systematically evaluate the spray-coating system’s performance against established reference solutions, such as Mu-Metal, from materials characterization and standardized measurements in a magnetically shielded environment to breadboard verification. To design process is accelerated by simulations. Our goal is to achieve TRL 3 certification while maintaining low mass and high ease of integration, particularly for miniature and small satellites with strict magnetic cleanliness requirements.
Project partners
- Fraunhofer EMI – Space-Design, Tests (Project management)
- Fraunhofer ISC – Materials and coating)
- Fraunhofer IPM – Magnetometry, MSR
Project term
09/01/2023 – 12/31/2025
Project funding
European Space Agency (ITT AO/1-11608)