Evaluation of Sun Position and Angular Rates Using the Photovoltaic Conversion System for On-Board Functions in an Artificial Satellite

Despite metrological limitations, photovoltaic (PV) cells can be used as orbital sensors in order to evaluate sunlight incidence angles, sun position, and angular rates with acceptable accuracy for several on-board functions in an artificial satellite. This information is assessed using short-circuit currents and open-circuit voltages of PV cells, which can be measured and acquired from the power regulator operation. This article presents the feasibility of the use of PV conversion systems in the evaluation of sun position and angular rates for on-board functions in a parallelepiped-shaped prismatic artificial satellite.