Small Sensors Big Choices

Accurate attitude control is as important for a small satellite as it is for a big one. TNO has been engaged in micro sunsensor developments for a couple of years now and has reached a situation where some critical decisions will have to be taken. Several options are still open but as research resources are limited some possible solutions will have to be discarded or further investigations postponed shortly. This chapter describes the current status as well as possible developments for the future which would lead to sensors that are small and reliable enough to provide a grown up attitude sensing solution for even the smallest satellites.