Abstract
In the Frame of French Earth Observation Satellite Program (SPOT) MATRA has been selected by CNES to develop the Digital Sun Sensor (SSD).The different concepts considered and the major problems encountered during the definition study are explained. Sensor performances and especially accuracy are related and a review of the means of dynamic and functional tests which allow to check them is made. The calibration principle is given, which provides optimal accuracy in flight when the sensor is associated to a SEMAT (a MATRA concept of optico-inertial attitude estimator based on decentralized intelligence) or to an on-board computer.The modular conception of this sensor will provide numerous alternative design possibilities which make it compliant with new missions of various kind in either low or high altitude orbits. A wide range of single or double axis sensors can be developped on the same baseline, with different field of view, different accuracy, or different data output rates.In a further step, upgraded verses of this sensor may also be able to aim at other targets than the sun. The multipurpose character of this sensor is underlined in the conclusion chapter.
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