Sun Sensors


Sun sensors are devices used in spacecraft to determine the orientation of the spacecraft relative to the sun. They work by detecting the position of the sun in the sky and providing information to the spacecraft's attitude control system, which adjusts the spacecraft's orientation as needed. Sun sensors are typically mounted on the exterior of the spacecraft and consist of a sensor head that contains photodiodes or other light-sensitive devices, and a processing unit that converts the sensor data into a usable format. They are essential for maintaining the correct orientation of the spacecraft for various purposes, such as solar power generation, communication, and scientific observations.


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