CubeSats have a small size and relatively low development costs, enabling more organizations to conduct space missions. As the requirements for CubeSat missions continue to increase, developers increasingly need high-precision and reliable attitude determination systems.
CubeSat Star Tracker is an optical attitude sensor used to determine the attitude of a small spacecraft.
CubeSats are usually subject to strict limitations in terms of mass, volume, power consumption, and cost. These limitations affect the design decisions of every subsystem. The requirements for satellite missions are also continuously increasing. The importance of attitude determination is also continuously increasing.
High Attitude Accuracy
One of the main advantages of a star tracker is its high attitude determination capability. The system uses stars as precise celestial references, making it suitable for missions that require accurate pointing. The actual accuracy required depends on the mission requirements and the specific design of the star tracker.
Absolute Attitude Reference
A star tracker can provide an absolute attitude reference. This differs from sensors that primarily measure changes in spacecraft motion. An absolute reference can help reduce the impact of long-term accumulation of attitude errors.
Low Drift
A star tracker does not require long-term integration of angular velocity measurements. Therefore, it can avoid the long-term drift that occurs during attitude propagation based on gyroscopes.
Support for High-Precision Payloads
Payloads carried by advanced CubeSats may require precise pointing. For example, optical cameras, telescopes, laser communication terminals, and scientific instruments. A star tracker can help these payloads maintain the required pointing direction.
Suitable for Advanced CubeSat Missions
CubeSat platforms are developing from simple educational missions toward more complex missions. Commercial and scientific missions may require more advanced ADCS performance. Compact star trackers can help these spacecraft achieve more demanding attitude performance requirements.
Reference Factors for Selecting a CubeSat Star Tracker?
Attitude accuracy; size and mass; power consumption; field of view; update rate; interfaces, etc.
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TY-Space Technology (Beijing) Ltd. is professional focusing on advanced attitude optical sensors, especially Star Trackers for space industry.