Star Tracker Companies in the Evolving Space Technology Landscape

In advancing space tech, star trackers ensure precise positioning for satellites and spacecraft.These sensors, called star sensors, capture star images, compare with catalogs for accurate orientation.As satellite constellations and space ventures grow, demand for reliable missions boosts star tracker market.

What Are Star Trackers and Why Are They Important?

Star trackers are optical devices that use CCD or CMOS sensors to detect star patterns, providing attitude determination accuracy typically better than 1 arcsecond. They are indispensable in environments where GPS is unavailable, such as geosynchronous orbits or interplanetary travel. Market growth is fueled by miniaturization, AI integration for faster star identification, and the push for cost-effective solutions in new space initiatives.

Star Tracker Companies in 2025

Sodern

A subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space, Sodern is one of the world’s leading star tracker manufacturers. With decades of experience since the 1960s, Sodern has provided star sensors for over 200 space missions, including the iconic Ariane rockets and the International Space Station.

Jena-Optronik GmbH

Part of the Airbus family, Jena-Optronik is a German powerhouse in optoelectronic systems. Specializing in star sensors, their ASTRO series delivers exceptional performance, with accuracy down to 0.5 arcseconds and update rates up to 10 Hz.

Blue Canyon Technologies 

A subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) excels in small satellite components. Their NST-1 nano star tracker is a compact marvel, delivering arcsecond precision in a package smaller than a soda can.

AAC Clyde Space

A leader in the small satellite sector, AAC Clyde Space offers star trackers tailored for CubeSats and nanosatellites. Their ST-16 series is renowned for low mass (under 200g) and low power consumption, with integrated baffles to mitigate stray light interference.

Terma

Danish aerospace company Terma provides robust star trackers, such as the T1 series, known for radiation tolerance and long operational lifespans (over 15 years).

TY-Space

TY-Space Technology (Beijing) Ltd. is a Chinese company specializing in advanced attitude optical sensors, particularly star trackers. They offer innovative, cutting-edge, and cost-effective solutions, successfully supporting over 60 in-orbit star tracker services.

When selecting a star tracker supplier, consider accuracy requirements, mission duration, budget, and ease of integration.