Sun Simulator

Description

Sun simulator The solar simulator is used for the calibration of accuracy and performance tests of the solar sensor with the aid of a three-degree-of-freedom table, both independently and when this sensor is mounted on a satellite.

Air mass (AM) Air mass (AM) refers to the reduction in solar intensity due to absorption in the Earth’s atmosphere, which is usually caused by dust and air. In Earth’s orbit, due to the absence of an atmosphere, this value is zero. Therefore, the term AMO varies for different regions of the Earth. For example, in Central Europe and North America, the air mass is AM1.5, while at the equator, it is AM1. The figure above shows the difference in the density of the solar blackbody radiation spectrum at 6000K between AMO (orbit) and AM1.5. As seen in the figure above, ultraviolet (UV) light experiences a significant reduction between AMO and AM1.5 due to UV absorption by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. This phenomenon can be utilized by satellite sensors to determine the direction of the Sun and Earth.