Rad-Hard Sun Sensors for GEO and MEO Missions

Introducing nanoSSOC D60 RH and ACSS RH

In the harsh and long-duration environments of Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), satellite attitude control systems (ADCS) must rely on robust, accurate, and radiation-tolerant components. Sun sensors play a critical role in ADCS by providing real-time sun angle data for orientation and control. Without dependable sun sensing, mission stability and pointing accuracy can degrade—especially over multi-year operations.

At Solar MEMS, we are proud to introduce two new radiation-hardened sun sensors—nanoSSOC D60 RH and ACSS RH—engineered to meet the demanding requirements of GEO and MEO missions, ensuring reliable performance even under prolonged exposure to space radiation.

Understanding GEO and MEO: Demanding Environments for Space Hardware

· MEO, between 2,000 and 20,000 km altitude, hosts navigation constellations such as GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. Satellites in MEO are exposed to high-radiation environments within the Van Allen belts, creating tough conditions for sensitive electronics.

· GEO, at 35,786 km, enables satellites to maintain a fixed position over the equator—critical for telecommunications, weather, and broadcasting. These missions demand high-reliability systems operating continuously for over 15 years.


What is Rad-Hard?

Radiation-hardened (Rad-Hard) components are designed to withstand high-energy particles and cumulative radiation effects that would otherwise degrade standard hardware. For satellites operating in MEO and GEO, Rad-Hard ADCS components—especially sun sensors—are essential for ensuring long-term mission success.


nanoSSOC D60 RH: Compact, Accurate, and Rad-Hard

The nanoSSOC D60 RH is a two-axis Nano Sun Sensor on a Chip, based on MEMS technology. It provides precise sun angle measurements in azimuth and elevation, ideal for attitude determination in compact or cost-sensitive platforms.

Key features:

· MEMS-based miniaturized design
· Individually calibrated for enhanced accuracy
· Built with Aluminum 6082, resistant to radiation aging
· Optimized for MEO/GEO small satellites needing Rad-Hard performance

ACSS RH: Reliable Sensing for Critical Missions

The ACSS RH (Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor) delivers high sensitivity and durability for LEO, MEO, and GEO missions. It uses orthogonal sensing geometry and is built on proven CSS technology, offering flight heritage since 2019.

Highlights:

· High radiation tolerance for extended missions
· Optimized geometry for reliable angle detection
· Scalable manufacturing process for mass production
· Ideal for large satellites requiring maximum reliability


Ready for the Next Generation of Space Missions

With nanoSSOC D60 RH and ACSS RH, Solar MEMS offers advanced, Rad-Hard sun sensors tailored for the unique demands of MEO and GEO satellites. Whether your mission is about precision, resilience, or longevity—our technology is built to deliver.

Explore the future of attitude sensing with SOLAR MEMS.