Solar MEMS: Pioneering Precision Navigation Systems for Space Applications

Solar MEMS: Pioneering Precision Navigation Systems for Space Applications

Solar MEMS TechnologiesFounded in 2009 and headquartered in Seville, Spain, is a trailblazer in the development of cutting-edge attitude and navigation control systems for the space and defense sectors. The company's core mission is to provide high-performance sun sensors and star trackers that offer unmatched accuracy and reliability for satellite orientation and positioning. With a strong foundation in microsystems and sensor innovation, Solar MEMS has become a preferred partner for aerospace and satellite manufacturers, offering specialized support for missions that demand extreme precision and resilience.

Technology & Innovation

At the core of Solar MEMS' innovation lies its development of MEMS-based sun sensors and compact star trackers, designed for spacecraft attitude determination systems (ADCS). These technologies are designed to operate in the most demanding orbital environments, offering minimal weight and size without compromising performance. The company’s focus on miniaturized, ruggedized designs gives it a distinct edge over conventional navigation solutions, enabling integration into CubeSats, nanosatellites, and small spacecraft.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Solar MEMS' technology is its ability to deliver ultra-fast, low-power and high-accuracy sensing solutions, capable of measuring the angle of incidence of solar rays with angular resolutions as fine as 0.01 degrees. Their Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor (ACSS) and High-Performance Digital Sun Sensor (DSS-BR) are examples of proprietary solutions that blend real-time data acquisition with robust calibration methods. These innovations are backed by a strong R&D foundation, with multiple European Space Agency (ESA) and international collaboration projects highlighting their reputation as a dependable, high-tech provider.

Products & Services

Solar MEMS offers a comprehensive product line focused on sun sensors, star trackers, and custom sensing solutions. Their space-grade sun sensors are designed for applications ranging from Earth observation satellites to scientific payloads and defense platforms. The S2S Series and DSS-BR Series sensors provide high precision in small, lightweight packages, making them ideal for next-generation satellite constellations.

Beyond the space sector, Solar MEMS also supports mobile applications such as solar tracking systems, autonomous vehicles, and defense monitoring equipment. Their sensors are known for their versatility and integration ease, enabling a seamless fit into multi-platform environments. These solutions not only improve operational autonomy but also help reduce mission costs and complexity.

Solar MEMS has played a key role in several national and international missions, supplying flight-proven sensors to agencies and private companies across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The company’s deep technical expertise and ability to customize its products to client needs have earned it contracts for scientific, Earth observation, and military satellite missions, demonstrating its global relevance.

Recent Developments & Achievements

In recent years, Solar MEMS has expanded its manufacturing and testing capabilities to meet increasing demand from the small satellite and defense markets. According to updates from the company’s news portal, Solar MEMS was recently selected for supplying sensors for an innovative satellite project involving multi-spectral Earth imaging, marking a significant leap in commercial application of its technologies. The company has also strengthened ties with research institutions and aerospace manufacturers, contributing to ESA technology validation programs. These collaborations have led to iterative improvements in their sun sensors’ angular accuracy and radiation tolerance critical parameters for long-duration missions in space.

Solar MEMS is focusing on scaling its production to support the booming NewSpace movement and the increasing demand for LEO satellite constellations. The company is exploring advanced sensor miniaturization, AI-based calibration techniques, and integration with autonomous satellite platforms. With its strong foothold in both the European aerospace ecosystem and international defense applications, Solar MEMS is poised to shape the next generation of satellite navigation and control systems. 

Solar MEMS continues to stand at the forefront of high-precision satellite navigation, offering dependable, space-qualified components that enable mission success across civil, commercial, and defense sectors. As the demand for compact, efficient, and reliable space sensors grows, Solar MEMS’ innovative edge ensures it remains a trusted partner in the global aerospace industry.

Click here to learn more about Star Trackers from SOLAR MEMS listed on SATNow

Click here to learn more about Sun Sensors from SOLAR MEMS listed on SATNow

Publisher: SatNow

GNSS Constellations - A list of all GNSS satellites by constellations

beidou

Satellite NameOrbit Date
BeiDou-3 G4Geostationary Orbit (GEO)17 May, 2023
BeiDou-3 G2Geostationary Orbit (GEO)09 Mar, 2020
Compass-IGSO7Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)09 Feb, 2020
BeiDou-3 M19Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M20Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)16 Dec, 2019
BeiDou-3 M21Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M22Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)23 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 I3Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Nov, 2019
BeiDou-3 M23Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019
BeiDou-3 M24Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)22 Sep, 2019

galileo

Satellite NameOrbit Date
GSAT0223MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0224MEO - Near-Circular05 Dec, 2021
GSAT0219MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0220MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0221MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0222MEO - Near-Circular25 Jul, 2018
GSAT0215MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0216MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0217MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017
GSAT0218MEO - Near-Circular12 Dec, 2017

glonass

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Kosmos 2569--07 Aug, 2023
Kosmos 2564--28 Nov, 2022
Kosmos 2559--10 Oct, 2022
Kosmos 2557--07 Jul, 2022
Kosmos 2547--25 Oct, 2020
Kosmos 2545--16 Mar, 2020
Kosmos 2544--11 Dec, 2019
Kosmos 2534--27 May, 2019
Kosmos 2529--03 Nov, 2018
Kosmos 2527--16 Jun, 2018

gps

Satellite NameOrbit Date
Navstar 82Medium Earth Orbit19 Jan, 2023
Navstar 81Medium Earth Orbit17 Jun, 2021
Navstar 78Medium Earth Orbit22 Aug, 2019
Navstar 77Medium Earth Orbit23 Dec, 2018
Navstar 76Medium Earth Orbit05 Feb, 2016
Navstar 75Medium Earth Orbit31 Oct, 2015
Navstar 74Medium Earth Orbit15 Jul, 2015
Navstar 73Medium Earth Orbit25 Mar, 2015
Navstar 72Medium Earth Orbit29 Oct, 2014
Navstar 71Medium Earth Orbit02 Aug, 2014

irnss

Satellite NameOrbit Date
NVS-01Geostationary Orbit (GEO)29 May, 2023
IRNSS-1IInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)12 Apr, 2018
IRNSS-1HSub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO)31 Aug, 2017
IRNSS-1GGeostationary Orbit (GEO)28 Apr, 2016
IRNSS-1FGeostationary Orbit (GEO)10 Mar, 2016
IRNSS-1EGeosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)20 Jan, 2016
IRNSS-1DInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)28 Mar, 2015
IRNSS-1CGeostationary Orbit (GEO)16 Oct, 2014
IRNSS-1BInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)04 Apr, 2014
IRNSS-1AInclined Geosynchronous Orbit (IGSO)01 Jul, 2013
Advertisement