MDA Space will fly Jena-Optronik's ASTRO HP star sensor on a low Earth orbit mission, the German space technology firm has announced, marking the first time the high-performance attitude sensor has been selected for a mission with the Canadian space company.
The ASTRO HP is a star sensor, a navigation instrument that helps spacecraft determine their orientation by imaging star fields and matching the observed patterns against onboard catalogues. Such sensors are critical for pointing solar arrays, antennas, and scientific instruments with precision, and they are used across satellite platforms, Earth observation spacecraft, and exploration vehicles.
MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, space exploration, and infrastructure. The company has built a broad portfolio spanning satellite manufacturing, robotic systems for space, and mission support services. Its decision to adopt the ASTRO HP for a LEO mission adds a new customer for Jena-Optronik's high-performance line of star trackers.
Jena-Optronik, based in Jena, Germany, has supplied attitude and orbit determination sensors for decades. Its ASTRO family of star sensors has flown on a range of missions, and the HP variant is designed for higher accuracy and demanding pointing requirements. The company framed the MDA Space selection as a milestone for the product line.
Low Earth orbit is the most active region for satellite operations, hosting communications constellations, Earth observation fleets, and scientific platforms. Missions in LEO require reliable attitude determination to maintain coverage, capture imagery, and manage data links. Star sensors like the ASTRO HP operate alongside gyroscopes, sun sensors, and reaction wheels to keep a spacecraft stable and correctly oriented.
The announcement did not specify which MDA Space mission will carry the sensor, nor did it disclose a launch date or the satellite platform involved. Jena-Optronik said only that the ASTRO HP will be used on a LEO mission, without providing further technical or schedule details.
For Jena-Optronik, the partnership extends its reach into the North American market and reinforces its position as a supplier of guidance and navigation hardware for international satellite builders. For MDA Space, the selection adds a proven European sensor to its supply chain as it continues work on satellite and space infrastructure programs.
Star sensors have become increasingly important as satellites grow more capable and autonomous. Higher-resolution imaging, laser communications, and in-orbit servicing all depend on precise knowledge of a spacecraft's orientation. The ASTRO HP is positioned to meet those requirements, and its first mission with MDA Space will serve as an operational demonstration of the sensor in a LEO environment.
Neither company provided financial terms or the number of units involved. The announcement was limited to confirming the selection and describing the mission class. Additional details about the spacecraft, its orbit, and its objectives are expected to emerge as the mission progresses.
The partnership reflects a broader trend of international collaboration in the space sector, where satellite manufacturers draw on specialized component suppliers from multiple countries. Jena-Optronik's sensors have previously flown with various partners, and the MDA Space mission adds another data point to the product's flight heritage.
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