The Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) Magnetic Control Plan

The Tandem Reconnection And Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites (TRACERS) mission implemented a magnetics control plan to help meet its science objectives. TRACERS studies the variability of magnetic reconnection using two closely spaced spacecraft taking high-cadence plasma measurements through the northern magnetospheric cusp. Science measurements of the local AC and DC magnetic field and medium energy electrons can be degraded by local stray magnetic fields from the spacecraft and instruments. The measured low frequency and static magnetic field can be directly contaminated by static magnetic fields from magnetised or ferromagnetic materials while the AC magnetic fields are susceptible to contamination from time varying electrical currents. Incoming electrons can be deflected by local magnetic fields altering their apparent incoming direction at detection. TRACERS uses a combination of source control, physical separation, magnetic screening, and post-hoc signal processing to ensure it meets its measurement objectives.