Sun sensors for satellite missions need to be characterized with an AM0 spectrum and different collimation angles as well as irradiance levels. At the DLR STARS-Laboratory for Sensor Testing and Assessment on a Rotation Simulator, a neonsee solar simulator is used in combination with a collimation camera on the rotation table to test and characterize sun sensors. The system offers a great spectrum with adjustable irradiance and collimation.
| Illuminated area | 200 x 200 mm |
| Collimation angle | Adjustable: 0.368° (Venus) – 0.051° (Jupiter) |
| Irradiance | Adjustable: 1780 W/m² – 162 W/m² with specified spectrum or down to 2.5 W/m² without specified spectrum |
| Light source | Single source, Xenon Short Arc |
| Operating mode | Continuous |
| Lamp lifetime | > 1000 h |
| Short-term instability of irradiance (IEC 60904-9, ASTM E 927) | 0.5 % (Class A) |
| Long-term instability of irradiance (IEC 60904-9, ASTM E 927) | 0.5 % (Class A) |
| Non-uniformity of irradiance (IEC 60904-9, ASTM E 927) | 0.5 % (Class A) |
