Redwire Coarse Sun Sensor – Pyramid
Redwire Corporation
2-axis, 4-detector pyramid-configuration coarse sun sensor for solar array pointing and sun acquisition.
Technical specifications
- Configuration
- 2-axis, pyramid bracket
- Number of detectors
- 4 per bracket (2, 6, 8 also available)
- Field of view
- 2-pi steradian plus
- Accuracy
- +/-1 deg at null (typical), +/-5 deg over linear range
- Mounting base dimensions
- 2.3 x 2.3 in (58 x 58 mm)
- Dimensions with baffles
- 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.7 in (89 x 89 x 43 mm)
- Mass
- 0.29 lb (0.13 kg) nominal
- Input power
- None required
- Peak output
- 500-1300 uA per detector
- Radiation tolerance
- >100 krad (Si)
- Export control
- ECCN 7A104
About
The Redwire Coarse Sun Sensor (CSS) Pyramid is a two-axis navigational instrument containing four photodetectors arranged in a pyramid bracket, used by spacecraft to detect the sun’s position for solar-array pointing, sun acquisition, and fail-safe recovery. The standard bracket carries 4 detectors, with alternate 2, 6, or 8-detector bracket configurations available.
The sensor provides a field of view of 2-pi steradian plus, with a null-point accuracy of approximately +/-1 degree and +/-5 degrees maintained through the linear range. Redwire can design custom baffles to tailor the field of view to mission-specific stray-light requirements. The unit requires no input power and produces a peak photodetector output of 500-1300 microamps per detector.
At only 0.13 kg nominal mass, with a mounting base of 2.3 x 2.3 inches (58 x 58 mm) and 3.5 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches (89 x 89 x 43 mm) including baffles, the CSS Pyramid is radiation hardened beyond 100 krad (Si) and has flown on programs including MAVEN, SMAP, Landsat, GPS IIR/IIF, and TDRS.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.
