VEX-MAG is a space qualified magnetometer with two fluxgate sensors to measure the magnetic field magnitude and its direction.
It consists of two sensors, one electronics box (including sensor electronics, data processing unit, and power supply) and a one meter long boom made from carbon fiber. One sensor is located on the tip of the boom and the other one is mounted on the surface of the satellite. This configuration of two sensors enables us to separate the spacecraft disturbance from the ambient magnetic field which is of scientific interest.
Among the many scientific objectives of the magnetic field observation, we will define the Venus plasma boundary and study the solar wind interaction with the Venus atmosphere. In addition, the magnetic field data provide important information to other instruments aboard Venus Express, for example ASPERA, for any combined studies of the Venus plasma environment.
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