Three-axis sun sensor for attitude determination

A novel sun sensor concept has been discussed. The sun sensor is able to determine the two-axis attitude of the Sun, just like any conventional sun sensor. The sensor also images the Doppler shift of the solar photosphere. This makes it possible to measure the solar rotation axis. This is the third attitude information axis. This type of sensor has applications for fast-spinning spacecraft. This type of sensor also has a number of commercial and scientific applications. Results of analyzing data from a helioseismology instrument, scaled appropriately, are presented. The sensor concept is proven, and this technology has the potential to be minimized and made into a space flight-qualified three-axis sun sensor.