MMS SCM: AC Magnetic Field Waveforms from Satellite Survey Mode

32 samples per second of three-dimensional AC magnetic field fluctuations measured by the MMS satellite's Search-Coil Magnetometer. The data, provided in nanoTesla and the GSE coordinate frame, are collected in survey mode for the entire orbit, with calibration performed at the National Magnetic Observatory. This Level 2 dataset from NASA is processed by the Digital Signal Processor and Central Instrument Data Processor.

Use Cases

• Analyzing magnetic wave spectra and turbulence based on high-frequency (32 Hz) AC magnetic field waveforms.
• Studying three-dimensional magnetic field fluctuations in the GSE frame as described in the instrument paper.
• Investigating plasma wave modes in scientific Regions of Interest (ROI) referenced in the description.
• Validating instrument performance using the onboard calibration signal mentioned in the data collection process.

Strengths

• Data is calibrated at the National Magnetic Observatory and includes onboard calibration checks per orbit.
• Provides three-dimensional magnetic field measurements at a high sampling rate of 32 samples per second.
• Dataset is supported by a published instrument paper and a detailed data product guide.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Measured by the tri axial Search-Coil Magnetometer on the MMS satellite, digitized and processed by the Digital Signal Processor, and collected by the Central Instrument Data Processor.

Time Range

Covers the entire MMS orbit in survey mode.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 06:00:48.385447; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Data collected in space, likely within Earth's magnetosphere.