Stray light refers to unwanted radiation that enters the optical system and reaches the detector but does not provide any effective contribution to target observation. A star tracker needs to identify extremely faint stars in a complex space environment. During on-orbit operation, multiple strong light sources may enter the star tracker’s field of view. When these light sources enter the optical path of the star tracker, they generate additional optical signals on the detector.
Reduces Star Detection Accuracy
When stray light increases background noise, the difference between star images and the background decreases. In this situation, the star tracker algorithm may fail to accurately detect stars or may even mistakenly identify noise as star targets.
Causes Temporary Attitude Determination Failure
Strong stray light may cause detector pixels to become saturated or create large bright areas in images. When the star tracker cannot obtain enough valid star points, it may lose the attitude solution.
Increases System Calibration Complexity
The impact of stray light is not constant.
Main Sources of Star Tracker Stray Light
Direct Sunlight
Earth Albedo
Spacecraft Self-Reflection
Star Tracker Stray Light Mitigation Technologies
Optical Baffle Design (Baffle Design)
The star tracker baffle is installed near the optical entrance and blocks unwanted light from reaching the detector through its physical structure.
Internal Light Suppression Structure Design
In addition to the external baffle, the internal optical structure of the star tracker is also used to reduce the impact of scattered light.
Low-Reflectivity Optical Materials
Material selection plays an important role in stray light control. These materials can reduce internal light reflection and minimize unwanted photons entering the detector.
Stray Light Simulation and Optical Analysis
Modern star tracker development relies heavily on optical simulation technologies.
Software-Based Stray Light Compensation
Hardware design provides the first layer of protection, while software algorithms can further improve the system’s resistance to interference.
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TY-Space Technology (Beijing) Ltd. is professional focusing on advanced attitude optical sensors, especially Star Trackers for space industry.