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Volume 25
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10.3390/s25175360
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This is an early access version, the complete PDF, HTML, and XML versions will be available soon.
Article

MINISTAR to STARLITE: Evolution of a Miniaturized Prototype for Testing Attitude Sensors

by
Vanni Nardino
1,
Cristian Baccani
2,
Massimo Ceccherini
3,
Massimo Cecchi
3,
Francesco Focardi
4,
Enrico Franci
4,
Donatella Guzzi
1,*,
Fabrizio Manna
3,
Vasco Milli
2,
Jacopo Pini
2,
Lorenzo Salvadori
4 and
Valentina Raimondi
1
1
Institute of Applied Physics “Nello Carrara”—National Research Council, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
2
GESTIONE SILO S.R.L., 50018 Scandicci, Italy
3
PROMEL COSTRUZIONI S.R.L., 50023 Impruneta, Italy
4
SAITEC S.R.L., 50063 Figline Valdarno, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sensors 2025, 25(17), 5360; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175360
Submission received: 7 July 2025 / Revised: 13 August 2025 / Accepted: 27 August 2025 / Published: 29 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Sensors)
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

Star trackers are critical electro-optical devices used for satellite attitude determination, typically tested using Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE). Within the POR FESR 2014–2020 program (funded by Regione Toscana), we developed MINISTAR, a compact electro-optical prototype designed to generate synthetic star fields in apparent motion for realistic ground-based testing of star trackers. MINISTAR supports simultaneous testing of up to three units, assessing optical, electronic, and on-board software performance. Its reduced size and weight allow for direct integration on the satellite platform, enabling testing in assembled configurations. The system can simulate bright celestial bodies (Sun, Earth, Moon), user-defined objects, and disturbances such as cosmic rays and stray light. Radiometric and geometric calibrations were successfully validated in laboratory conditions. Under the PR FESR TOSCANA 2021–2027 initiative (also funded by Regione Toscana), the concept was further developed into STARLITE (STAR tracker LIght Test Equipment), a next-generation OGSE with a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Based largely on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, STARLITE targets commercial maturity and enhanced functionality, meeting the increasing demand for compact, high-fidelity OGSE systems for pre-launch verification of attitude sensors. This paper describes the working principles of a generic system, as well as its main characteristics and the early advancements enabling the transition from the initial MINISTAR prototype to the next-generation STARLITE system.
Keywords: star tracker; Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE); star field simulation; optical stimulator star tracker; Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE); star field simulation; optical stimulator

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MDPI and ACS Style

Nardino, V.; Baccani, C.; Ceccherini, M.; Cecchi, M.; Focardi, F.; Franci, E.; Guzzi, D.; Manna, F.; Milli, V.; Pini, J.; et al. MINISTAR to STARLITE: Evolution of a Miniaturized Prototype for Testing Attitude Sensors. Sensors 2025, 25, 5360. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175360

AMA Style

Nardino V, Baccani C, Ceccherini M, Cecchi M, Focardi F, Franci E, Guzzi D, Manna F, Milli V, Pini J, et al. MINISTAR to STARLITE: Evolution of a Miniaturized Prototype for Testing Attitude Sensors. Sensors. 2025; 25(17):5360. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175360

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nardino, Vanni, Cristian Baccani, Massimo Ceccherini, Massimo Cecchi, Francesco Focardi, Enrico Franci, Donatella Guzzi, Fabrizio Manna, Vasco Milli, Jacopo Pini, and et al. 2025. "MINISTAR to STARLITE: Evolution of a Miniaturized Prototype for Testing Attitude Sensors" Sensors 25, no. 17: 5360. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175360

APA Style

Nardino, V., Baccani, C., Ceccherini, M., Cecchi, M., Focardi, F., Franci, E., Guzzi, D., Manna, F., Milli, V., Pini, J., Salvadori, L., & Raimondi, V. (2025). MINISTAR to STARLITE: Evolution of a Miniaturized Prototype for Testing Attitude Sensors. Sensors, 25(17), 5360. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175360

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