Research On A Miniature Static Star Simulator

The star simulator is an important testing and calibrating equipment on the ground for the star sensor, which is the key component of attitude determination in the satellite control system. The calibration precision on the ground of a star sensor will directly affect the attitude precision of the satellite in orbit. The miniature static star simulator introduced in the paper simulating the sky under laboratory conditions, in this way the tasks for star identification and attitude determination of a star sensor can be accomplished.The paper proposed a design scheme of a star simulator, which uses a reticule as the star tester and a cold-cathode plane backlight as the light source. The composition, general structure and operating principle of the miniature static star simulator are discussed. The optical system of collimating objective lens, light source and feed circuit are designed. Through the research on the testing method of angular distance between stars and the analysis of the system accuracy, provided a theoretical basis of design and test the miniature static star simulator.