Size of AZDK-1 Small-sized star sensor

2021: Start of flight tests

Created by Azmerit LLC, a subsidiary of the Russian Space Systems holding (RKS, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation), the AZDK-1 small-sized star sensor (MZD) for small spacecraft has begun flight tests. This was reported to the RCC on May 4, 2021. The device is included in the modern ultra-compact Earth remote sensing satellite Orbicraft-Zorkiy manufactured by the Russian private space company Sputnix, which was launched into Earth orbit on March 22, 2021 by the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle, including 38 spacecraft.

A star sensor is a device designed to determine the spatial orientation of the structures on which it is mounted, relative to the inertial equatorial star coordinate system through observation of stars in the visible spectral range. The small-sized AZDK-1 star sensor is autonomous, it independently calculates the orientation quaternion and transmits it to the spacecraft's on-board computer.

Шаблон:Quote 'author = said Deputy General Director of Azmerit LLC Marat Abubekerov.

2019: Tests of AZDK-1 small-sized star sensor

On January 10, 2019, Azmerit, a member of the Russian Space Systems holding, successfully completed the ground test cycle of the AZDK-1 small-sized star sensor (MZD) for small spacecraft.

The small-sized star sensor AZDK-1 during thermal vacuum and vibration dynamic tests conducted on the bench equipment of the RKS confirmed the strength characteristics, the ability to maintain the accuracy of determining coordinates in the conditions of the impact of loads during the launch of the device into orbit and the influence of space environment factors.

With the active assistance of the RCC, we conducted thermal vacuum and vibration dynamic tests of the AZDK-1 MPC. During vibration dynamic tests, the sensors were subjected to sinusoidal and random vibrations, peak impact accelerations up to 25g. The sensors were in the thermal vacuum chamber for three days with a cyclic change in temperature from minus 27 ° С to plus 57 ° С. The sensors adequately withstood this test program and functioned normally.

AZDK-1 sensors provide high accuracy of spacecraft orientation by stars. The device weighs only 193 gram, is equipped with a CMOS 1024 × 1280 pixel matrix, an on-board catalog for 2400 stars and provides accuracy of about 5 angular seconds.

The star sensor photographs a portion of the starry sky and determines, based on the on-board catalog, the direction of the optical axis of the device at a given time. AZDK-1 is an autonomous device and independently calculates the orientation quaternion and transmits it to the spacecraft's on-board computer.

Flight tests of the AZDK-1 sensor are scheduled for the end of 2019. It is planned to install the device on the TNS technological nanosatellite of RKS development.