Solar MEMS, a Spanish technological-based company, that specializes in Micro Electro Mechanical Systems technology (MEMS) and its application to the design and development of highly accurate sun sensors for space and other high technology markets has introduced a new Horizon Sensor for nanosatellites.
The Horizon Sensor for Nano and Micro Satellites (HSNS) from Solar MEMS is a Quad Thermopile sensor for Earth detection and Nadir vector determination. This device measures the infrared radiation from Space and from Earth with 4 IR eyes, providing accurate and reliable detection and attitude determination.
The HSNS has an accuracy of less than 1 degree, 3sigma (EOL), and an aperture of +/- 64 degrees that is adapted for 700 km LEO orbit. It has a FOV of +/- 2.5 degrees for each IR eye and an output rate of 10 Hz. The sensor is qualified for radiation of 30 kRad Total Ionizing Dose and has a design lifetime of 3 years.
HSNS is based on previous experience with Solar MEMS making attitude sensors and long research projects on IR sensing devices. Every HSNS is characterized and tested and includes a microcontroller for fast assembly and integration with different options like UART or I2C protocols.
Click here to learn more about HSNS from Solar MEMS.
Click here to learn more about Horizon Sensors for Satellite and Space Applications.
