Sun sensors, also known as solar sensors or sun trackers, actively measure the angle between a satellite’s body axis and the sun’s line of sight. These photoelectric devices provide critical data for the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) to maintain a satellite’s correct orientation in orbit.
Modern sun sensors effectively withstand harsh space conditions, including extreme temperatures, vacuum environments, and cosmic radiation. They are typically classified based on their accuracy, field of view (FOV), and operating principles.
Coarse Sun Sensors (CSS) represent one of the simplest and most widely used types. Designed for wide-angle detection, they offer a field of view up to 2π steradians (hemispherical coverage), making them ideal for initial sun acquisition when a satellite’s attitude is unknown or unstable.
CSS boast simplicity and reliability as their main advantages. They feature low cost, minimal power consumption, and strong resistance to stray light interference, such as reflections from Earth or the Moon, which is crucial in space. However, their lower accuracy limits their use in high-precision missions, often requiring pairing with more precise sensors.
Due to their compact size, CSS are highly common in CubeSats and small satellites. They actively support deployment phases or backup attitude control in power-saving modes.
For applications demanding exceptional accuracy, Fine Sun Sensors (FSS) serve as the ideal choice. These sensors achieve resolutions as high as 0.01 degrees, perfectly suiting scientific satellites or imaging platforms requiring precise pointing.
FSS enable accurate alignment of solar panels and calibration instruments, but their narrower field of view, typically between 10-30 degrees, limits their scope. Additionally, they are more sensitive to contamination and require regular calibration to maintain long-term performance.
Analog Sun Sensors embody an older yet durable technology, relying on continuous signal processing rather than discrete digital outputs. Functioning as the analog counterpart to digital sensors, they use photocells to generate voltage outputs proportional to sunlight intensity and angle.
Analog sensors perform reliably in high electromagnetic interference environments, as their simple circuits resist digital failures. Lightweight and cost-effective, they suit budget-constrained projects effectively.
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