SOLAR MEMS Technologies

SOLAR MEMS Technologies is a Spanish company that makes sun sensors, star trackers and horizon sensors for satellites, plus ground test equipment for them.

The company builds sensing and navigation technology for demanding space and defence uses. Its work combines MEMS technology, optical sensing, electronics and precision engineering. These parts help a spacecraft work out its attitude and stay on course. It says it has flight heritage since 2009, with sensors that have flown on missions for prime contractors and space agencies.

Its sun sensor range includes the ACSS coarse sun sensor, the SSOC A60 analog fine sun sensor and the SSOC D60 digital fine sun sensor. There is also a fine digital sun sensor called FDSS. Smaller versions, the nanoSSOC A60 and D60, are made for nano satellites. Its star trackers include the nanoST and microST for small satellites, and the HSNS is a horizon sensor for nano satellites.

The company also sells test equipment. The DQS3 and LS3 are light stimulators used to test sun sensors. The STAR-S and STAR-D simulators help validate star trackers. Products are filtered by orbit, such as low, medium and geostationary orbit, and by analog or digital interface.

SOLAR MEMS names space agencies and research centres among its customers, including NASA, CNES, ESA, JAXA and JPL. Its client list also includes Lockheed Martin, Northrop, Airbus, Thales Alenia Space, Maxar, MDA, OneWeb, ICEYE and Honeywell Aerospace. The company has received Best Supplier recognition.

It has also moved beyond space. The company now serves drone, aviation, automotive, defence and energy customers. It applies its space standards for radiation, temperature and reliability to these other fields.

Quality work follows the ECSS-Q-ST-70-61C standard for high reliability assembly, plus IPC standards for military and aerospace circuit board design. The company has had support from ICEX and the European Regional Development Fund to grow abroad.

Services

• Sun sensors
• Star trackers
• Horizon sensors
• Sun sensor light stimulators
• Star simulators for tracker testing
• Optical ground support equipment
• Sensors for drones and aviation