• Fine sun-vector input for ADCS: sun pointing, momentum management, detumbling support, and safe-mode pointing.  
• High-rate sun tracking for agile CubeSat/Smallsat missions requiring fast attitude updates.  
• Distributed / multi-panel sensing: synchronized readings across several sensors via Sample, Hold & Read.  
• Constellation and volume programs where low power, repeatable calibration, and short lead times reduce integration risk.

NXSS3V50 Eagle Plus is a digital dual-axis fine sun sensor designed for CubeSat and smallsat ADCS architectures where volume, power, and integration time matter.

Performance & data output

• 110° × 110° FOV with <±0.1° accuracy (3σ) and 0.0015° precision (1σ).  
• 166 Hz update rate supports fast estimation/control loops and responsive pointing.  
• Outputs calibrated sun-angle information in two axes, computed onboard.

Easy to integrate

• Slim mechanical envelope (29.5 × 11.5 × 6.5 mm, 5 g) helps when external panel real estate and internal volume are constrained.  
• Designed to mount in underutilized areas such as between solar panels, freeing space for payloads and simplifying accommodation.
• RS-485 using CSP, providing dual-axis sun-angle output computed onboard.

Multi-sensor consistency

• Sample, Hold & Read (SHR) enables synchronized “snapshot” sun vectors from all utilized Eagle Plus sensors in a single command. Useful when multiple sensors are installed and time-alignment matters.

Power & monitoring

• 0.015 W peak power on 2.6-3.5 V, designed for power-limited missions.  
• Health statistic data plus integrated temperature and power-bus voltage sensing to support monitoring and diagnostics.

Robustness

• Partial albedo detection to improve robustness against Earth-reflection effects (mission-dependent).

• Calibration delivered per unit: Eagle/Eagle Plus sensors are individually characterized and delivered with a calibration matrix. 
• Calibration granularity options: calibration available with 10°, 5°, 2° or custom angular step options (project-dependent).
• Integration adaptations on request: mechanical/electrical tailoring, interface and form-factor adaptations, and custom engineering support are available via quotation.  
   

Needronix sun sensors have established in-orbit heritage: Eagle flight heritage since 2017 with a longest deployment of 4.5 years fully functional on orbit. Eagle Plus since 2025. 

As an example reference mission, the GRBAlpha CubeSat (2021–2025) used multiple Needronix Eagle sun sensors and Cormorant transceivers lasting 4.5 years of continuous operation and all components functional throughout the mission. Eagle Plus builds on the same Needronix sun sensor product line and associated test/calibration approach.

Eagle Plus sensors are tested and calibrated in Needronix’s in-house facility, including a test facility co-developed with ESA. Sensors can be individually characterized and delivered with a calibration matrix, supporting consistent integration and reducing system-level commissioning effort.

• Thermal: operating −45 °C to +85 °C.  
• Thermal-vacuum cycling: 100 cycles, −70 °C to +110 °C.  
• Radiation tolerance: > 20 krad(Si).  

Needronix follows an ECSS-based development approach and performs extensive verification and validation with unit-level test and calibration to ensure repeatable on-orbit performance.  

This product is subject to EU export control rules. Shipments outside the EU may require authorization depending on destination, end user, and end use. Needronix will support the export authorization process as applicable and may request end-use/end-user information during ordering.