New Delhi: A new low-cost star sensor developed by Indian astronomers launched by ISRO on board PSLV C-55 has turned out to be a huge success.
The StarBerrySense sensor developed from off-the-shelf components by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is designed to quickly calculate where the satellite is pointing.
In its first-ever space test, the sensor, which is mounted on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), is performing well, and the initial data has now validated its design as well as its function, according to information provided by the Department of Space.
For any space mission, it is crucial to know where the satellite is being pointed to at any given time. While there are several ways to do this, a star sensor provides the most accurate information.
The start sensor is capable of finding its pointing direction in space by identifying the stars in its field of view.
It has been designed to quickly calculate where the satellite is pointing and provides the most accurate information about a spacecraft’s orientation.
“Not only has StarBerrySense withstood the harsh conditions in space and is functioning as expected, but the initial data also shows that it is able to calculate the pointing direction,” the Space Payloads Group at IIA has announced.
