Qualification of affordable open-source analog and digital Sun sensors for CubeSats

• Open source analog sun sensor design is presented based on commercial of the shelf parts • Open source digital sun sensor design is presented based on commercial of the shelf parts • An open source simulation tool for sun sensor performance is presented • Radiation testing of both designs is presented • Temperature and vibration testing of both designs is presented • Calibration of both designs is presented and compared to the simulation tool results • A comparison with already existing sun sensors and university projects is provided This paper presents the qualification of affordable, open-source analog (PSS) and digital Sun sensors (DSS) for CubeSats, which aim to provide cost-effective and accessible attitude determination solutions for small satellite missions. The study evaluates the performance, reliability, and suitability of these sensors in space-like conditions, addressing key factors such as accuracy, thermal stability, and radiation tolerance. Experimental results demonstrate that the PSS can achieve better than 5° precision over a field of view of 100° while maintaining low costs and power consumption. The DSS shows a precision better than 0.5° over a field of view of 36° using a photolithographically patterned optical aperture acting as a pinhole. The research highlights the potential of these sensors to democratize access to space technology, supporting academic and commercial CubeSat missions with accessible and effective attitude determination solutions.