SUN SENSOR (AQUILA series)
NewSpace Systems (NSS)
The AQUILA series sun sensors provide reliable and accurate sun-angle measurements for spacecraft attitude determination and control, suitable for primary and safe-mode sensing in high-reliability space applications.
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- TRL
- 9
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
- Flight heritage
- Over 5 years in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- Units delivered
- Over 1000
- Constellations baselined on
- Multiple (currently five different constellations)
- Field of view
- < 114°
- Accuracy
- < 0.5 Average
- Dimensions
- 33 mm × 11 mm × 6 mm
- Mass
- <5 g
- Operating temperature
- -20 °C to +60 °C
- Supply voltage
- 5 V DC
- Interface
- 5 analogue channels
About
The AQUILA series sun sensors determine a spacecraft’s orientation with respect to the sun, offering reliable and accurate sun-angle measurements for 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. The series includes models such as AQUILA-A05 and AQUILA-H02. Key features include ultra-small size and low mass, low power consumption, simple interfacing, a wide field of view, digital architecture (albedo immune), and embedded calibration for accurate sun-angle determination. These sensors can be used in conjunction with a magnetometer for simple attitude control or as safe-mode sensors on gyro or star-mapper-controlled systems. Four sensors can achieve full sky coverage. The Aquila has demonstrated lifetimes of over 5 years in LEO and is included on five different constellations.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.