Micro Digital Sun Sensor: System in a Package

A novel micro Digital Sun Sensor ( µDSS) is under development in the frame of a micro systems technology (MST) development program (Microned) from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Use of available micro system technologies in combination with the implementation of a dedicated solarcell for power supply and a wireless link for data communication allows TNO TPD to develop a truly autonomous and wireless sun sensor. Such a "system in a package" is small enough to be flown on a microsatellite [4]. Although several technical challenges still exist, it seems feasible to build a sensor that will be at least one order of magnitude lower in weight as compared to the current generation sensors (<30 grams) and consumes no external power. These characteristics allow it to fly this sensor on satellites that are so small that inclusion of a fine sun sensor until now has not been feasible.