Description
Priority 2 activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation.
Objective:
To develop a Sun sensor, capable of withstanding very high temperature excursions for a prolonged period of time and which allows to measure the sun aspect angle of a solar panel with significantly reduced Earth albedo errors.
Targeted Improvements:
ITAR free high temperature range (+120 -150 degrees C) fine Sun sensor with an accuracy of better than 3 degrees (including albedo effects for altitudes > 500km ) and a cost target of less than 7.5 kEuro per sensor.
Rationale:
Mounting a Sun sensor on a solar panel can provide an accurate and direct measurement of the solar aspect angle, both in stowed and deployed configuration. However, the Sun sensor will be exposed to a high temperature environment. A fine Sun sensor with reduced planetary albedo sensitivity that can withstand high temperature would be beneficial for telecom platforms, but also for interplanetary missions and Earth observation missions.
Proposed work:
The activity shall target the modification of a Sun sensor to extend the operating temperature range. Following successful design review, an engineering model shall be manufactured and tested in relevant environmental conditions to bring TRL to 5. The sun sensor shall be ITAR free.
Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restrictedto non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and R&D entities in ESA programmes".