Off the Shelf | Sun Sensors
Bradford's Cosine Sun Sensor delivers information about the polar position of the sun relative to the spacecraft. This gives attitude knowledge to the OBC at all times, supporting coarse maneuvering of the spacecraft and to inform the spacecraft about the position of the sun when it is in a safe mode of operation.
Its tiny size, zero power consumption, and straightforward interfacing make it an excellent choice for missions in LEO - including those in higher orbits- and smallsats throughout the solar system.
They are typically deployed in a suite of at least three but up to twelve sensors with different viewing directions.
| Parameter | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
FOV | 160 x 160 ° | |
Accuracy | ± 3 ° ( 3σ ) - OBC limited | |
Resolution | < 0.1 ° | |
Noise Equivalent Angle | < 0.1 ° ( 3σ ) | |
Mass | 25 g | |
Dimensions | 30 x 30 x 14 mm | |
Power Consumption | 0 W | |
Data Interface | Analogue 5mA (typ) signal | |
Reliability Figure | 5 FIT @ 50 °C per device (better for with self-redundant version) | |
Total Ionising Dose Resilience | > 100 kRad | |
Single Event Resistance | Insensitive to SEE | |
Electrical Interface | Flying leads | |
Mechanical Inferface | 3x M2.5 mounting holes |