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Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have invented a low-cost star sensor for astronomy and small CubeSat-class satellite missions.

The star sensor titled Starberry-Sense can support small CubeSat class satellite missions to find their exposure in space.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) stated that the Starberry-Sense is prepared for launch on the PS4-Orbital Platform by ISRO and can be utilized for CubeSats and further small satellite missions in upcoming years.

Based on commercial/off-the-shelf elements, this star sensor costs less than 10 percent of those available in the market. The brain of the instrument is a single-board Linux computer called Raspberry Pi, widely used among electronics hobby enthusiasts.

A Ph.D. scholar at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the first author of the research, Bharat Chandra, said we coupled some highly optimised algorithms with a Raspberry Pi and turned it into a potent star sensor- StarBerry-Sense. We could indicate that instruments made from effortlessly available components can be qualified for space.

The Department of Science and Technology added that any satellite must know where it is pointed in space, and the instrument used for this objective is called a star sensor. The position of stars in the sky is set close to each other and can be used as a sturdy reference frame in order to calculate the orientation of a satellite in orbit. This step is accomplished by accurately identifying the stars in the sky towards which the star sensor is pointed. The star sensor is effectively a celestial compass.

The star sensor has successfully experienced the vibration and thermal vacuum test that allows it for space launch and operations. And these tests were carried out in-house at the environmental test facility- situated at the CREST Campus of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Hosakote.