Latest-generation star sensors are characterized by innovative features that need additional testing capability in comparison to previous star trackers; therefore, novel indoor test facilities are required in some cases to assess theirperformance. Thispaperreportson design, realization, and operation of such a laboratory system. Itisbased on simulation of stare eld scenesto be acquired by thesensor undertest. Thescenes aregenerated on a 21-in. highresolution cathode ray tube display by means of a simulation software running on a personal computer. Selected components are commercial, off-the-shelf products, hence offering low-cost and short-time development. Results of a study conducted to identify performance of an advanced star sensor are reported in detail. A satisfactory accuracy, 35 arcsec, is achieved for pitch and yaw pointing angles. Adequate results have been attained also for the corresponding rates: 230 arcsec/s during slow rotations and 10% of the maximum angular rate during fast ones. These values are adequate for most spacecraft operating conditions. Larger uncertainties are attained for roll rotations: in the range of 70 ‐420 arcsec for angle and of 1000 ‐1750 arcsec/s for angular rate measurements. Consequently, roll values are acceptable only for fast rotations and medium- or low-accuracy operations.
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Rufino et al. (2002) studied this question.
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