Digital Sun Sensor (±64°)
Adcole Space (Redwire)
A two-axis digital sun sensor with ±64° field of view providing medium-accuracy attitude determination. Up to 8 optical heads per electronics unit with proven deep-space flight heritage on Mars 2020 and Parker Solar Probe.
Technical specifications
- Field of View
- ±64°
- Axes
- 2 (per optical head)
- Optical Heads per Electronics Unit
- 1–8 (configurable)
- Output
- Serial digital data stream (sun angle + sun presence bit)
- Dry Mass
- 1.3 kg (electronics unit + 1 head)
- Average Power
- 1.0 W
- Radiation Hardness
- 100 krad (Si)
- Heritage
- Yes — Mars 2020, Parker Solar Probe, Cassini
- Status
- In Production
About
The Adcole Space Digital Sun Sensor (±64°) is a two-axis digital sun sensor system that provides sun angle data for medium-accuracy attitude determination across a large ±64° field of view. Each system consists of one or more optical heads — up to eight per electronics unit — with each optical head providing two axes of sun angle data output in digital format.
The DSS64 was selected for NASA’s Mars 2020 mission (Perseverance rover), providing two complete Digital Sun Sensor Systems with eight DSS heads and two processing electronics units. These sensors provided critical positioning and trajectory data from Earth through the interplanetary cruise phase until approximately 12 minutes before atmospheric re-entry at Mars. They have also flown on the Parker Solar Probe and Cassini.
The sensor electronics output a serial digital data stream suitable for direct spacecraft computer interfaces. Optical heads are designed with white silicone paint housings for thermal protection in high-radiation environments. The system is radiation hardened and uses high-reliability components qualified for extended space missions.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.
