“We are on the verge of proving that small, affordable satellites can deliver the high-quality magnetic data our nation depends on,” said Mike Paniccia, NGA’s program manager for the World Magnetic Model. “These teams have spent the past few years pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with CubeSat technology, and this launch is the moment where all of that ingenuity meets the ultimate test.”

This mission represents the first-ever effort to collect reliable geomagnetic data using CubeSat technology. Once in orbit, the three CubeSats, equipped with novel solutions for precisely measuring Earth’s magnetic field, will provide data to update the World Magnetic Model — a critical infrastructure that underpins navigation for military operations, commercial aviation, and everyday mobile devices worldwide.

The current World Magnetic Model, WMM2025, is maintained using data from the European Space Agency’s Swarm mission, launched in 2013. NGA launched the MagQuest competition in 2019, seeking new, more resilient ways to collect geomagnetic data.

The CubeSat solutions developed through MagQuest can be built, launched, and operated for a fraction of the cost of the current system. MagQuest also demonstrates the effectiveness of open innovation and interagency collaboration in tackling a vital national security challenge.  Testing facilities and experts at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, supported technology evaluations and analysis; NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation administered the challenge; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information provided technical support.

MagQuest’s open innovation approach intentionally attracted novel solutions from a unique group of innovators. Each team has developed a distinct CubeSat solution for collecting high-quality geomagnetic data from low-Earth orbit:

• Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory CubeSat, University of Colorado Boulder
• Diamond-Powered Geomagnetic Data Collection from LEO, Spire Global and SBQuantum
• Io-1, Iota Technology

The teams delivered their completed satellites to Exolaunch for final integration for launch. Following a successful launch and satellite deployment, each team will begin geomagnetic data collection and compare their findings to WMM2025.

An expert review panel will evaluate each team’s data across key milestones. The results of MagQuest will inform NGA’s acquisition strategy for a WMM global magnetic field data collection capability, to support production of the next global update, WMM2030.

Source: NGA

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The need for the WMM comes from the fact that the Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing all around the globe, and the magnetic North Pole travels around 40 kilometers per year. The WMM updates every five years for accuracy, with the most recent update taking place in 2020. The next update will be published in December 2024. Without the production of WMM, the Department of Defense, North Atlantic Treaty Organizations, international partners and commercial systems would no longer be able to perform precision navigation. Additionally, the DOD performs a variety of other magnetic-based missions that require precise knowledge of Earth’s magnetic fields.

Magnetic data used for navigation has been collected since 1902 by the United States and other countries. The first declination tables were published in 1905 by Dr. Louis Bauer, a member of the NGA GEOINT Hall of Fame. Since 2000, magnetic data collected by various European Space Agency satellites has been the primary source used for WMM. The current constellation of satellites in use by the ESA is called Swarm. Launched in 2013, there are no current plans for a follow-on satellite system. In an effort to plan for the next magnetic collection method, NGA has been tasked with defining a new solution for collecting magnetic data by 2027 to be used in WMM2030. Part of this effort is a type of competition or challenge called MagQuest.

“The MagQuest Prize Challenge, currently in its fourth and final phase, was created to develop this solution,” said Paniccia. “In this phase, three challenge participants, called solvers, are building and launching nano-satellites with magnetometers, which are sensors that collect magnetic data, with the end goal of evaluating their ability to support WMM production. Successful solvers will then be considered eligible to enter into a data purchase agreement with NGA for future magnetic data.”
MagQuest is a partnership with NASA who assists with the day-to-day running of the challenge as well as using their magnetic testing facility at Goddard Space Flight Center to assess the magnetic field measurement performance of solver submissions. The current MagQuest solvers are U.S. company Spire, British company Iota, and the University of Colorado at Boulder.

The WMM is based on requirements within a military specification, but WMM customers are not limited to the DOD. WMM is publicly available and is in use by the U.K. Ministry of Defense, NATO, the International Hydrographic Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as others. WMM is also embedded in hundreds of millions of cell phones for use in all navigation apps.

The WMM is a joint product of NGA and the U.K. Defense Geographic Centre with development and publication by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the British Geological Survey. The WMM also ingests some data from a global collection of ground observatories called INTERMAGNET.  Each ground observatory is owned and operated by numerous agencies, organizations and universities from many different countries.  The U.S. ground observatories are maintained by the United States Geological Survey.

The WMM doesn’t have an end goal in the traditional sense. There is no foreseeable completion date for WMM or a pending lack of need. The continuing goal of the WMM is to ensure long-term, stable safety of navigation for humanity.

“Without it, we would regress to pre-1900s level of directional accuracy,” said Paniccia. “This would make modern navigation inaccurate and since runways are all aligned to magnetic field lines, air travel would be severely impacted.”

For more information on MagQuest and updates on Phase 4bc visit www.magquest.com.

Source: NGA

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The teams competing in the final phase of MagQuest are:

Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) CubeSat, University of Colorado Boulder. This team has developed a CubeSat specifically designed and tested for magnetic cleanliness and accurate data from a compact form factor. A compact scalar-vector magnetometer designed specifically for CubeSats enables high-quality collection of magnetic field data.

Diamond-Powered Geomagnetic Data Collection from LEO, Spire Global and SBQuantum. This team has developed a diamond quantum magnetometer system deployed on a CubeSat, combining SBQuantum’s magnetometer technology and sensor expertise with Spire Global’s infrastructure for satellites, ground stations and data processing.

Io-1, Iota Technology. This team has developed a CubeSat featuring a deployable helical boom, vector fluxgate magnetometer and atomic scalar magnetometer. Iota Technology is working alongside industry partners, combining expertise in sensor technology, deployable structures and mission design.

Phase 4a was conducted on NASA’s HeroX platform, during which all teams constructed magnetometers and tested them at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The three teams, who have been awarded millions in funding, will now advance to design, build and launch a satellite to take their magnetometers into orbit and collect data on the earth’s magnetic field.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the success of the MagQuest teams, whose remarkable solutions have showcased the potential of these innovative magnetometers,” said Mike Paniccia, NGA’s program manager for the World Magnetic Model. “MagQuest has been a journey of innovation, collaboration and boundary-pushing, and we are excited to see how these solutions shape the future of geomagnetic data collection.”

MagQuest Phase 4b&c provides the teams with monetary and technical support as they build, test and launch their solutions to collect high-quality geomagnetic data for evaluation against WMM performance specifications. Teams will also have access to experts from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information.

Phase 4b&c will also provide teams access to external mentors with interdisciplinary perspectives spanning magnetic measurement, engineering of space-based technology and mission management.

During phase 4b&c, teams will build their nanosatellites, integrate their magnetometers, conduct final testing and plan for launch and data collection. Following launch, teams will begin magnetic data collection and comparison of their data to the current world magnetic model.

An expert review panel will evaluate progress across key milestones during MagQuest Phase 4b&c, which is anticipated to conclude in September 2026.

Source: NGA

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Led by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, MagQuest is a multi-million dollar competition to find more accurate and efficient ways to map the earth’s electromagnetic field, also known as the World Magnetic Model (WMM). Aircraft, ships, cars and trucks, along with billions of smartphone users rely on the WMM every day for navigational purposes. However, as shifts in the Earth’s magnetic field continue to accelerate, the WMM must be monitored more closely, and updated more often to ensure the model’s accuracy, while keeping people and goods flowing safely.

“It is an honor for us to be invited to participate in the final phase of this prestigious competition. We see this as a validation of our years of unwavering work in developing our diamond-powered quantum magnetometer and compensation algorithms,” said David Roy-Guay, CEO and co-founder of SBQuantum. “Testing the instrument in space represents a fantastic opportunity to show the entire industry what we have built, and to highlight the tremendous potential of quantum-enabled sensors not only for aerospace, but for various other industry verticals as well.”

The MagQuest Challenge resumes this month for its final phase, which includes testing of the 3 remaining solutions. SBQuantum’s offering combines its diamond-powered quantum magnetometer with a suite of reference sensors to train a machine learning algorithm, which compensates for magnetic field interference. The solution is designed to provide more accurate measurements of the WMM, with increased frequency than existing spaceborne applications. Furthermore, pre-test analysis indicates that the SBQuantum magnetometer will potentially provide stable and accurate readings for the WMM in excess of 10-times longer than today’s sensors.

“The MagQuest challenge is a prime example of how satellite technology plays a crucial role in powering technology and systems that each and every one of us use on a near-daily basis,” said Chuck Cash, vice president of federal sales at Spire. “We’re proud to leverage Spire’s expertise in satellite technology and existing infrastructure for manufacturing, ground stations, and data processing with SBQuantum’s magnetometer technology to provide a novel and more accurate solution to collect geomagnetic data.”

SBQuantum’s diamond magnetometer leverages quantum properties to reduce drifts such as those induced by temperature constraints which can distort readings from today’s classical technologies. The diamond crystal contains four sensing axes in a very small volume at the atomic scale, and the amplitude and direction of its magnetic field measurements provides high accuracy with no blind spots. The device’s use of quantum effects also provides a greater accuracy than existing technologies. By applying a green laser and microwaves to the diamond, a red glow is generated which translates directly to the magnetic field vector measurements at the basis of the WMM.

The final phase of the MagQuest Challenge runs from September 2023, with a launch of all the finalists’ solutions into space for testing purposes, planned for mid-2025.

Source: SBQuantum

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MagQuest is a multiphase open innovation challenge designed to accelerate new ideas to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of geomagnetic data. During this phase of the challenge, Spire will design, develop and launch a satellite that will provide a novel approach to geomagnetic data collection for the World Magnetic Model (WMM). The satellite will carry a first-of-its-kind diamond quantum magnetometer system developed by SBQuantum. Spire will demonstrate operations of the satellite system and provide data to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center for assessment.

The WMM is used every day around the world and is embedded in thousands of systems. More than a billion smartphone users depend on the WMM for mobile navigation apps, and drivers rely on it to align the compasses in their cars.

“The MagQuest challenge is a prime example of how satellite technology plays a crucial role in powering technology and systems that each and every one of us use on a near-daily basis,” said Chuck Cash, vice president of federal sales at Spire. “We’re proud to leverage Spire’s expertise in satellite technology and existing infrastructure for manufacturing, ground stations, and data processing with SBQuantum’s magnetometer technology to provide a novel and more accurate solution to collect geomagnetic data.”

Phase 4 of the challenge is set to conclude in September 2026. There may be an opportunity for additional funding at the end of the challenge to sustain operations and data provisions beyond the three-year period. The results of MagQuest will inform NGA’s acquisition strategy for a WMM global magnetic field data collection capability, with an expected data procurement that can provide operational capacity by 2027.

Source: Spire

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“The importance of the World Magnetic Model cannot be overstated: It is critical to keeping everyday navigational systems running,” said NGA Senior GEOINT Authority J.N. Markiel, PhD. “MagQuest has advanced scientific and technical innovations that could be key to the future of geomagnetic data collection, specifically approaches that are both sustainable and scalable.”

Meet the Phase 3 teams and learn more about their winning solutions:

• Satellite Instrumentation for Geomagnetic Analysis (SIGMA) (Iota Technology). A 3U CubeSat featuring a novel deployable boom and digital magnetometers. Iota Technology is working alongside teams from Oxford Space Systems and AAC Clyde Space, combining expertise in sensor technology, deployable structures, and mission design.
• Diamond-Powered Geomagnetic Data Collection from LEO (Spire Global and SBQuantum). A diamond quantum magnetometer system deployed on a CubeSat, combining SBQuantum’s novel magnetometer technology and sensor expertise with Spire Global’s existing infrastructure for satellites, ground stations, and data processing.
• Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) CubeSat (University of Colorado Boulder). A CubeSat specifically designed and tested for magnetic cleanliness and accurate data from a compact form factor. A compact scalar-vector magnetometer designed specifically for CubeSats enables high-quality collection of magnetic field data.
• Terrestrial and Seafloor Automated Magnetic Observatories (Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium). A flexible network of automated magnetic observatories on land and the seafloor. The observatories can be deployed at almost any global location; automation delivers continuous near-real-time data while decreasing staffing and support needs.
• Global Acquisition of Magnetic Measurements at Altitude (GAMMA) (Stellar Solutions). GAMMA leverages planned satellite missions by adding easily integrated magnetometer payloads, plus an expanded ground-based scientific magnetometer array. New miniature space sensors and payload hosting opportunities dramatically decrease costs while supporting collection of the required magnetic measurements.

The teams invited to Phase 3 had six months to prepare a submission that demonstrated completion of major design decisions, described specific hardware and software selections, detailed testing approaches to mitigate risks, and provided evidence in support of overall performance. This final phase offered the opportunity to interact with subject matter experts to produce the strongest results. Following team presentations at the virtual Design Review Event, the judges nominated the winners according to the Phase 3 selection criteria.

With MagQuest, NGA used open innovation to quickly identify and accelerate novel approaches to geomagnetic data collection. Since NGA launched the competition in March 2019, teams across academia and industry have proposed space, aerial, oceanic, and land-based approaches. Phases 1 and 2 awarded $1.2 million in cash prizes to winning teams. The results of MagQuest will inform NGA’s acquisition strategy for a WMM global magnetic field data collection capability, with an expected procurement that can provide operational capacity by 2027.

“We are thrilled by how open innovation has allowed us to bring pioneering ideas to life and spur novel technological advancements,”Markiel said. “The competition has not only driven new approaches to geomagnetic data collection, but also shows how open innovation can be used to support the future of critical scientific infrastructure.”

In recognition of MagQuest’s success, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence awarded NGA the 2019 Intelligence Community Acquisition Award for Team Innovation.

Source: NGA

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In Phase 1 of the competition, U.S. and international innovators in industry and academia submitted 40 novel approaches to geomagnetic data collection. Submissions included space, aerial, oceanic, and land-based solutions. The MagQuest judging panel helped select the 10 winners, according to the Phase 1 selection criteria. Each winner will receive $20,000 in cash prizes.

The 10 Phase 1 winners are:

●     Compact Spaceborne Magnetic Observatory (COSMO) CubeSat. (University of Colorado Boulder). A CubeSat solution specifically designed and tested for magnetic cleanliness and accurate data from a compact form factor. A compact, scalar-vector magnetometer and a novel deployable boom enable high-quality data to be collected from a CubeSat.

●     CubeSat-powered Geomagnetic Data Collection. (Spire Global). A global constellation of 75 CubeSats carrying custom magnetometer payloads. This system could leverage Spire’s existing infrastructure for satellites, ground stations, and data processing.

●     Diamonds in the Sky: Vector Magnetometry for Space and Airborne Platforms. (SB Technologies Inc). Diamond magnetometer (Qmag) technology integrated into a network of CubeSats and commercial airplanes. The compact Qmag would decrease cost and improve integration across platforms.

●     Distributed Network of Microsensors Onboard Picosatellites. (Pumpkin). A swarm of picosatellites in Low Earth Orbit mapping the magnetic field. This solution would keep costs low by minimizing the required functionality, mass, and volume of each individual satellite.

●     EOI Pathfinder with Magnetometry Suite. (Earth Observant Inc.) Magnetometry payload added to the planned Pathfinder satellite mission. This solution would capture magnetic data during the primary mission’s downtime.

●     Equatorial Ground Observations and Scalar Satellite Mission. (Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences). Permanent geomagnetic ground stations at the equator paired with a scalar satellite mission. By defining the exact location of the magnetic equator, the necessary data could be collected with a satellite mission of decreased cost and complexity.

●     Global Acquisition of Magnetic Measurements at Altitude (GAMMA). (Stellar Solutions).Adding magnetometers as hosted payloads to planned satellite launches with optional integration of ground-based sensors. The combination of spaceborne and terrestrial data could increase coverage and decrease risk.

●     MagSAT: Magnetic Field Mapping NanoSat Constellation. (Hypergiant)A constellation of nanosatellites with self-calibrating, solid-state magnetometers. The proposed magnetometer could decrease cost and complexity while not being affected by the same environmental conditions as a traditional magnetometer.

●     Oceanic Observations from Autonomous Profiling Floats. (University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratorywith partner Oregon State University.)The addition of magnetometers to existing autonomous ocean platforms. Sensors could be deployed at scale, yielding continuous sea surface and subsurface magnetic field data.

●     Terrestrial and Seafloor Automated Magnetic Observatories. (Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium). An international network of automated magnetic observatories on land and the seafloor. The observatories could be deployed at almost any global location; automation could deliver continuous data while decreasing staffing and support needs.

MagQuest is designed to attract new ideas to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of geomagnetic data collection. With this open innovation challenge, NGA is inspiring solvers to apply their expertise to a wide range of potential solution areas.

“From seafloor observatories to satellites, the breadth of ideas that emerged from Phase 1 of MagQuest is impressive and energizing,” said Richard Salman, director of NGA’s Office of Geomatics. “We look forward to seeing the novel thinking and new technologies solvers will bring to Phase 2 of the challenge.”

In Phase 2, NGA seeks detailed designs and plans for data collection methodologies, including a concept of operations, a description of expected performance and potential risks, and an overview of potential future program management. Success in Phase 2 may require increased expertise, and MagQuest encourages participants to explore collaboration opportunities by joining the MagQuest solver community. The challenge is open to U.S. and international participants, as defined in the rules, terms, and conditions.

To participate in Phase 2, solvers must submit their designs by 4:59 p.m. EDT on August 28, 2019. The independent judging panel will help select up to five winners according to the Phase 2 selection criteria. The total Phase 2 prize pool of $1 million will be distributed across Phase 2 winners. At NGA’s discretion, additional phases of the challenge may follow Phase 2. These phases, if executed, are anticipated to award an additional $2.5 million in cash prizes plus potential nonmonetary incentives.

Source: NGA

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Earth is a large magnet, and both digital and analog compasses are oriented by the magnetic force at a user’s location. Since geographic and magnetic poles do not align, geomagnetic models like the WMM correct for this difference. As the Earth’s magnetic field is constantly changing, the difference between geographic and magnetic north also changes, and the WMM must be regularly updated.

The WMM is embedded in thousands of systems, including more than a billion smartphones for mobile navigation apps. The WMM is also critical for military and commercial uses around the world. Among other applications, it supports navigation and attitude determination for submarines, satellites, and aircraft, while also informing operational logistics like the numbering of runways. Beyond navigation, the WMM ensures precise orientation that supports applications in industries as diverse as energy and telecommunications.

The WMM is a joint product of NGA and the United Kingdom’s Defence Geographic Centre. It is produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the British Geological Survey at five-year intervals to account for the evolution of the magnetic field structure. Recent erratic movement of the north magnetic pole led to the release of an out-of-cycle update to the WMM in early 2019. Production of the WMM currently uses space-based magnetic field measurements that the European Space Agency Swarm mission has provided since 2013. To ensure sustainability of the WMM, the U.S. government is taking a proactive approach to identifying new methods of data collection independent of Swarm.

“Anyone who uses GPS relies on the World Magnetic Model,” said Richard Salman, director of NGA’s Office of Geomatics. “MagQuest is a critical component of NGA’s work to develop a new system for measuring Earth’s geomagnetic field to power the future of navigation.”

MagQuest is designed to attract new ideas to increase the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of geomagnetic data collection. With this challenge, NGA aims to inspire solvers to apply their expertise to spaceborne, aerial, terrestrial, and other potential solution areas. Solvers from small businesses, academic institutions, labs, startups, and other organizations are encouraged to enter the competition.

MagQuest is open to domestic and international participants, as defined in the Rules, Terms, and Conditions. Those interested in participating should submit their concepts by 4:59 p.m. EDT, May 16, 2019. Up to 10 Phase 1 winners will be selected by the independent judging panel according to the Phase 1 selection criteria. The total Phase 1 prize pool of $200,000 will be distributed evenly across Phase 1 winners.

Phase 2 will be open to solvers from Phase 1, as well as new solvers who did not participate in the first phase of the challenge. NGA will seek detailed designs and plans for data collection methodologies, including descriptions, 3D models, and hypotheses for prototype development and testing. Up to five winners will be selected by the independent judging panel according to the Phase 2 selection criteria. The total Phase 2 prize pool of $1 million will be distributed across Phase 2 winners.

At NGA’s discretion, additional phases of the challenge may follow Phase 2. These phases, if executed, are anticipated to award an additional $2.5 million in cash prizes plus potential non-monetary incentives.

For more information about MagQuest, visit MagQuest.com.

Source: NGA

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