Earth Horizon Sensor
Pyxis Space
The Pyxis Space Earth Horizon Sensor provides nadir-vector measurement for CubeSat attitude control using both visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) spectral observation. Detecting the Earth’s limb in two spectral bands improves robustness compared to single-band sensors, allowing reliable operation across different lighting conditions including eclipse transitions. The sensor achieves Earth pointing accuracy of 1° and […]
Key figurescomparable across the catalogue
- Mass
- 0.032 kg
- Largest dimension
- 53 mm
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
- Dimensions
- 28 × 28 × 53 mm³
- Mass
- 32 g
- Observation bands
- Visible (VIS) and Infrared (IR)
- Pointing accuracy
- 1° Earth pointing
- Price
- €6,000
- Accuracy
- 1°
- Slew Rate
- up to 2 °/s
- Field of view
- 80° x 120° IR
- Field of view (2)
- 92° x 114° VIS
- Interface
- CAN 2.0B
- Supply voltage
- +4.5 V to +12 V
- Power
- 200 mW
- Operating temperature
- -20 °C to +50 °C
- Radiation
- 10 kRad
About
The Pyxis Space Earth Horizon Sensor provides nadir-vector measurement for CubeSat attitude control using both visible (VIS) and infrared (IR) spectral observation. Detecting the Earth’s limb in two spectral bands improves robustness compared to single-band sensors, allowing reliable operation across different lighting conditions including eclipse transitions. The sensor achieves Earth pointing accuracy of 1° and is housed in a 28 × 28 × 53 mm³ package weighing just 32 g — suitable for any CubeSat platform from 1U upward. It provides a cost-effective means of nadir stabilization for Earth observation, remote sensing, and communication missions where a constant Earth-pointing orientation is required. As part of the Pyxis Space ADCS product ecosystem, it interfaces seamlessly with the Pyxis Reaction Wheel, Sun Sensor, and Star Sensor systems for a complete attitude control solution. Priced at €6,000.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.