Multi-Head Star Sensor
Pyxis Space
The Pyxis Space Multi-Head Star Sensor provides enhanced attitude determination performance through the use of multiple optical sensor heads operating simultaneously. Supporting up to six individual sensor heads with base configuration of four heads, the system delivers automatic redundancy management: if one sensor head becomes blinded by the Sun, Moon, or Earth limb during orbital […]
Typed specifications25 values
Discloses 9 of 12 fields engineers filter by in this category (category median 8).
- Accuracy, cross-boresight
- 36 arcsec cross boresight, 3 sigma, four head configuration · datasheet p.2 180 arcsec max
- Mass
- 240 g datasheet p.2
- Accuracy, about boresight (roll)
- 180 arcsec boresight, 3 sigma, four head configuration · datasheet p.2
- Envelope (L×W×H)
- tuna can, Ø79 mm x L67 mm datasheet p.2 23 x 30 x 35 mm sensor head
- Update rate
- 2 Hz data rate · datasheet p.2
- Max tracking rate
- 1.5 °/s max · up to · datasheet p.2
- Sun exclusion angle
- 80 ° for each sensor head · datasheet p.2
- Supply voltage
- 4 V min · datasheet p.2 5.5 V max | 4–5.5 V
- Power consumption
- 0.3 W nominal · datasheet p.2 0.3 W nom.
- Data interface
- CAN 2 x CAN 2.0B, redundant configuration · datasheet p.2 CAN 2.0B, redundant configuration
- Operating temperature
- -40–50 °C operational · datasheet p.2
- Radiation tolerance (TID)
- 10 krad radiation · datasheet p.2
- TRL
- 9 datasheet p.2
- Configuration
- multi-head (2+ optical heads) up to six sensor heads per system · datasheet p.1
- Survival temperature
- -40–80 °C survival · datasheet p.2
- Flight heritage
- flight-proven since 2024 datasheet p.1
- Satellite class
- CubeSat datasheet p.1
- Missions flown
- 2 024 since · datasheet p.1
- Earth exclusion angle
- 70 ° for each sensor head · datasheet p.2
Each value is typed with its unit and measurement condition and cites the datasheet page it was taken from. Nothing is guessed: a field that is absent here has not been published by the manufacturer. machine-extracted ✓ checked by NewSpace Market ✓ manufacturer confirmed by the manufacturer.
As published by the supplier6 lines, in the manufacturer's own wording
- Pointing accuracy
- <0.05° on all axes
- Max sensor heads
- Up to 6
- Base configuration
- 4 sensor heads
- Redundancy
- Automatic - excludes blinded sensors
- Price
- €30,000 (base, 4 heads)
- Management
- Compatible with Pyxis Control Box
About
The Pyxis Space Multi-Head Star Sensor provides enhanced attitude determination performance through the use of multiple optical sensor heads operating simultaneously. Supporting up to six individual sensor heads with base configuration of four heads, the system delivers automatic redundancy management: if one sensor head becomes blinded by the Sun, Moon, or Earth limb during orbital maneuvers, the system automatically excludes it and maintains continuous attitude data from the remaining heads. This architecture is particularly valuable for missions requiring high data availability during large-angle slew maneuvers. The system achieves the same sub-0.05° accuracy as the single-head Nano Star Sensor, while providing significantly improved coverage and robustness against temporary sensor obscuration. Base price starts at €30,000 with four sensor heads. Integrates with the Pyxis Control Box for centralized management of all sensor heads and data fusion.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.