Miniature Instrumentation for Earth Axis Orientation Sensor

Measurements on two earth fixed vectors in instrument coordinates is needed to fix the orientation of instrument axis. Less than complete determination of all the components of these two vectors in instrument coordinates leads to complexity in intrepretation and error magnification. Several devices for the measurement of gravitational acceleration and magnetic field vector are discussed for use in orientation determinations. A new type of magnetometer suitable for miniaturization is described and the results of initial tests with this magnetometer represented.