STOS, Star Tracker stimulator

Through Windows dialog boxes or command files (for complex dynamics)

For close loop testing, attitude commands can be sent up to 128 Hz through a specific remote link (Ethernet, VME-PCI,RS232 / 422, USB …).

Star catalogue

Any STR catalogue with instrumental magnitude can be used (up to 15000 stars).

Star magnitude

A range of 4.5 magnitudes (with a typical precision of +/-0.3) is available. It can be adjusted with a global bias obtained with optical densities.

Field of view

Optimized for 25 deg in diameter. Other FOV can be studied.

Alignment

Better than 0.001 deg.

Star position

Error for individual star positioning on STOS is less than 0.005 deg at 2 sigmas

Dynamics

Up to 8 deg /s. No constraint on acceleration.

Synchro/ Delay

In remote control, the delay between command reception and the corresponding image update is less than two monitor update periods.

Planets&  Bodies

Planets and bodies like satellites or debris can be simulated like additional stars (up to 32) or extended objects (up to 16).

Moon

Can be simulated like a white disk or with a specific model for a better rendering.

Residual background

At least 2 magnitudes higher than the highest magnitude in the useful range. Light-proof.

Stray light simulation

Stray light can be simulated with uniform grey levels [0 - 255] or using specific dynamic Earth or Sun models. Use of background movie-like  images is also available.

Protons

Solar flares or SAA effects (direct or streak impacts on detectors) are dynamically simulated with up to 8192 events per image

Satellites & debris

Up to 128 satellites or debris with random linear trajectories can be simulated

 < 2 kg (total weight to be mounted on top of baffle) with typical dimensions Æ0.2m, length 0.3m