SUN SENSOR
A sun sensor determines a spacecraft’s orientation with respect to the sun.
UTILITY
A sun sensor determines a spacecraft’s orientation with respect to the sun. The Sun Sensor product line, known as AQUILA, provides reliable and accurate sun-angle measurements for spacecraft attitude determination and control. Designed for high-reliability space applications, these sensors are suitable for both primary and safe-mode attitude sensing. With over >1000 units delivered and extensive in-orbit heritage exceeding five years in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the NSS Sun Sensors are baselined on multiple satellite constellations. Their robust design, ultra-compact form factor, low power consumption, and wide field of view make them a preferred choice for both commercial and institutional missions. This datasheet outlines the functional, physical, and environmental specifications of the AQUILA series, including the AQUILA-A05 and AQUILA-H02 models.
• Ultra small size and low mass
• Low power
• Simple to interface
• Wide field of view
• Digital architecture (Albedo immune)
• Calibration embedded
• Accurate determination of sun-angle
• Can be used in conjunction with a magnetometer for simple attitude control
• Can be used as safe-mode sensors on gyro or star-mapper-controlled systems
• Four sensors can achieve full sky coverage
The Aquila has a strong track record in orbit. The Sun Sensor has demonstrated lifetimes of over 5 years in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and, due to its robust design, has become a preferred choice for constellation primes. To date, more than 1,000 Aquila units have been delivered worldwide. Currently, the NSS Sun Sensor product is included on five different constellations
