Sun Sensor for Accurate Detection of the Sun Position

Sun sensor as a navigation sensor is used to detect the satellite or spacecraft's orientation with respect to the sun. Using this sensor, the solar cells are oriented with high pointing accuracy towards the sun, to enhance the electric power efficiency. High accuracy, low mass and low power consumption have enabled this sensor as a superior sensor in the navigation field. Its functional mechanism is such that sun ray passes through slits etched on a sapphire window then its intensity is attenuated by an optical filter and read by a CCD image sensor. To improve the sun sensor parameters the experts of the Mechanic Research Center used a V shaped slit on the sapphire window thereby reducing the mass, power consumption, dimensions and enhancing senor accuracy simultaneously.