Photovoltaic panels as attitude sensors for artificial satellites

The sun is a useful geodetic reference for spacecraft operating near earth, where its high brightness in relation to other astronomical objects makes it easy to detect [1]. It also provides great power availability near earth, thus being the most reliable power supply for spacecraft orbiting earth. The orientation of the sun relative to the spacecraft body is an important piece of information for essential onboard functions such as attitude determination, safe operation, activation or deactivation of light-sensitive equipment, and orientation of photovoltaic (PV) panels for maximum power conversion [2]. Such relative orientation can be determined using a device known as a sun sensor.