HARDWARE / PRODUCTUpdated 24 Jul 2026

AA-STR Autonomous Star Tracker

Leonardo SpA (Space Division)

The Leonardo AA-STR (Autonomous Star Tracker Advanced) is a next-generation star tracker using an HAS APS (CMOS Active Pixel Sensor) detector — the first star tracker with CMOS technology to achieve TRL 9. Approximately 2/3 the size, weight, power, and cost of conventional CCD units. Mass is 2.6 kg (including 26-degree baffle and GEO shielding); […]

Key figurescomparable across the catalogue

Mass
2.6 kg
Power
5.6 W
Largest dimension
348 mm
Design life
18 years

Normalised to common units so this product can be compared with others in its category. The supplier's own wording is below.

As published by the supplier

Detector
HAS APS (CMOS Active Pixel Sensor)
FOV
20 x 20 deg
Dynamic range
1.5-5.5 Mi
Max stars tracked
15
Tracking rate
Up to 2 deg/s
Lis acquisition time
<9 s
Update rate
10/8/5/4 Hz
Accuracy (bias, 3-sigma, EOL)
8.25 arcsec pitch/yaw; 11.1 arcsec roll
Nea @ 0.1 deg/s
<6 arcsec pitch/yaw; <49.4 arcsec roll
Dimensions
164 x 156 x 348 mm (25 deg SEA baffle)
Mass
2.6 kg (incl. baffle, GEO shielding)
Supply voltage
60-110 V or 20-52 V
Power
5.6 W @ 20 deg C; 12.6 W @ 60 deg C
Interface
MIL-STD-1553B, RS-422
SEU tolerance
Up to 170,000 protons/cm2/s
Operating temperature
-30 to +60 deg C
Design lifetime
18 years GEO

About

The Leonardo AA-STR (Autonomous Star Tracker Advanced) is a next-generation star tracker using an HAS APS (CMOS Active Pixel Sensor) detector — the first star tracker with CMOS technology to achieve TRL 9. Approximately 2/3 the size, weight, power, and cost of conventional CCD units. Mass is 2.6 kg (including 26-degree baffle and GEO shielding); power is 5.6W at 20 deg C versus 8.9W for the A-STR. FOV is wider at 20×20 degrees, tracking up to 15 stars. Improved radiation tolerance versus A-STR (170,000 vs 17,000 protons/cm2/s SEU). Same 8.25 arcsec bias accuracy and MIL-STD-1553B/RS-422 interface. Qualified for GEO telecom, Bepi Colombo, ESA GOCE/PRISMA, AlphaBus, SpaceBus 4000 programs.

Documentation

No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.

Source: space.leonardo.com ↗

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