CMOS Imager for Nanosatellite Applications

This research examines the capabilities of Commercial-off-the-shelf CMOS image sensors for use on nanosatellites as a star tracker. An emphasis is placed on selecting low cost components that meet the restrictions on mass and power of nanosatellites. To determine the expected sky coverage a Monte Carlo simulation is used with different limiting magnitudes and orbits. An image sensor, and lens system are selected and are interfaced using a Field Programmable Gate Array for data processing. The camera is then characterized in lab before being tested imaging the night sky.