HARDWARE / PRODUCTUpdated 24 Jul 2026

Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor (ACSS)

Solar MEMS Technologies
Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor (ACSS)

The Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor (ACSS) is a highly reliable and radiation-hardened device for sun-tracking and attitude determination in space missions, measuring sun ray incident angles in two orthogonal axes.

Typed specifications27 values

Discloses 6 of 8 fields engineers filter by in this category (category median 4).

Accuracy
3 °
3sigma, no calibrated · datasheet p.1 3 ° max
Mass
40 g
datasheet p.2
Envelope (L×W×H)
65 x 47 x 13 mm
datasheet p.2
Output type
analog
datasheet p.2
Field of view
60 °
±60º · datasheet p.1 60 ° half-angle
Supply voltage
15 V
min · datasheet p.2 30 V max  |  15–30 V
Operating temperature
-55–105 °C
datasheet p.1 -55–105 °C operating temperature (qualification data)  |  -45–85 °C operating temperature (technical characteristics)  |  -45–85 °C
Radiation tolerance (TID)
200 krad
(gamma) · datasheet p.1 200 krad radiation test, gamma
Export status
ITAR-free
ITAR FREE · datasheet p.1
Sensor class
coarse
datasheet p.1
Axes
2
2 orthogonal axes · datasheet p.1
Connector
15-pin micro connector
datasheet p.2
Random vibration
18.3 g RMS
mechanical test, 18.3 g @ 20-2000 H · datasheet p.1
Flight heritage
since 2019 with hundreds of flight units delivered
datasheet p.1 more than 2500 units in orbit since 2019
Satellite class
GEO
for the most demanding LEO, MEO and GEO missions · datasheet p.1
Missions flown
2 500
datasheet p.0 2 500 min · ACSS internal sensor with more than 2500 units in orbit since…
Shock qualification
2 000 g
mechanical test · datasheet p.1

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 supplier12 lines, in the manufacturer's own wording
Industry
Space
Comm. interface
Analog
Flight mode
Yes
Engineering mode
Yes
Field of view (º)
±60, Custom
Power supply
15-13V (3 mA)
Operating temperature
-45 to 85 degrees
Radiation test
200 Krad (gamma) 8e11 10 MeV (protons)
Mechanical test
Shock 2000 g
Endurance test
600 cycles from -55 to 105º C 2000h at 125º C
EMC/ESD
ECSS-E-ST-20-07C MIL-STD-461F
Flight heritage
since 2019 with hundreds of flight units delivered

About

The Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor (ACSS) is a specialized device engineered for sun-tracking and attitude determination in various space missions, including LEO, MEO, and GEO. It operates by measuring the incident angle of sun rays across two orthogonal axes, leveraging its geometrical design to provide high sensitivity. The ACSS is designed for exceptional reliability and radiation hardness, making it suitable for the most demanding space environments. It boasts flight heritage since 2019, with hundreds of units delivered, and its manufacturing process has been industrialized for mass production. The sensor includes both flight and engineering modes, offers a Field of View of ±60 degrees (with custom options available), and operates with a power supply of 15-13V (3mA). It is built to withstand extreme conditions, with an operating temperature range of -45 to 85 degrees Celsius, radiation tested to 200 Krad (gamma) and 8e11 10 MeV (protons), and mechanical shock resistance up to 2000g. Endurance tests include 600 cycles from -55 to 105 degrees Celsius and 2000 hours at 125 degrees Celsius. It complies with EMC/ESD standards ECSS-E-ST-20-07C and MIL-STD-461F.

Documentation

Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.

Source: solar-mems.com ↗

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