Solar MEMS
Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. designs and manufactures MEMS-based sun sensors, star trackers, and horizon sensors for satellite attitude determination, serving space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA), aerospace primes (Airbus, Lockheed Martin, MDA), and constellation operators including OneWeb, with diversified expansion into defense, automotive, and renewable energy verticals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersLa Rinconada, Spain
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Solar MEMS does
Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. is a Spanish private company founded in 2009 and headquartered in Seville's Aerópolis aerospace park, specializing in Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology for high-precision attitude determination sensors used primarily in space applications. The company's product portfolio centers on three categories: space hardware (the SSOC and nanoSSOC fine sun sensors in analog and digital variants, the ACSS Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor, the nanoST and MicroST star trackers, and the HSNS horizon sensor), optical ground support equipment (DQS3, LS3, STAR-S, and STAR-D simulators for TVAC testing), and engineering/manufacturing services (GNC/AOCS/ADCS development, MEMS design, certified space soldering, and electronic manufacturing services for aerospace-qualified equipment). Its products are characterized by MEMS-based fabrication, plug-and-play integration with integrated microcontrollers, radiation-hardened designs, and miniaturized form factors tailored for nano- and microsatellite platforms.
The company sells primarily to satellite manufacturers, space agencies, defense contractors, and constellation operators globally, with customers spanning NASA, ESA, JAXA, CNES, DLR, Airbus Defence and Space, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Thales Alenia Space, Maxar, MDA Space, and OneWeb. It is the exclusive sun-sensor supplier for the OneWeb mega constellation (delivering 1,800+ sensors for 900 satellites) and was selected for the MDA AURORA supply chain in 2024. Revenue mechanics are driven by hardware unit sales on multi-year contracts, supplemented by engineering services and EMS revenue; pricing is not publicly disclosed, with standard delivery in 6-10 weeks and customized products in 14-18 weeks. Manufacturing capacity exceeds 100 units per month, supported by three certified cleanrooms and compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ECSS space standards. The company has delivered 2,500+ flight units to 50+ countries since founding and is diversifying into automotive, aeronautics, defense, and renewable energy verticals.
Solar MEMS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Solar MEMS
- Legal name
- SOLAR MEMS Technologies S.L.
- Website
- https://solar-mems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Solar MEMS Technologies S.L. designs and manufactures MEMS-based sun sensors, star trackers, and horizon sensors for satellite attitude determination, serving space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA), aerospace primes (Airbus, Lockheed Martin, MDA), and constellation operators including OneWeb, with diversified expansion into defense, automotive, and renewable energy verticals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Solar MEMS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Sensors and Attitude Determination Equipment
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs (HDAHAAAG), Sensor Fusion, Interface ICs & Modules (AFE/Readout/Packaging/Calibration) (HDAHALAO), Test & Measurement Equipment (Oscilloscopes, DAQ, signal analyzers, calibration benches) (IMAGAFAC), Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats) (EUACAGAK)
Keywords
Where Solar MEMS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- La Rinconada
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Solar MEMS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel
Revenue model
- Sun Sensors and Star Trackers: Sale of MEMS-based sun sensors (nanoSSOC, SSOC, ACSS series) and star trackers (nanoST, MicroST) for satellite attitude determination and control systems.
- Ground Support Equipment (OGSE): Sale of testing equipment including light stimulators (LS3, DQS3) and simulators (STAR-S, STAR-D) for validating sun sensors and star trackers.
- Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS): Customized aerospace qualified equipment manufacturing including soldering, mechanical/optical assembly, and complete equipment assembly for communication racks, signal/power distribution boxes, and control units.
- Engineering Services: Engineering and consulting services including GNC/AOCS/ADCS development, nano/pico satellite platform design, certified space soldering, R&D project management, MEMS technologies, electrical/mechanical custom designs, and IOD/IOV mission management.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Standard Sun Sensors |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Customized Products |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Energy Sensors (ISS/MASS) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Solar MEMS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SOLAR MEMS Technologies S.L. designs and manufactures MEMS-based high-precision sun sensors, star trackers, and horizon sensors for satellite attitude determination and control systems (ADCS). The company also produces Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) for sensor testing under TVAC conditions, and offers engineering and electronics manufacturing services for aerospace-qualified equipment. Products serve LEO, MEO, and GEO missions with flight heritage since 2009.
Product overview
SOLAR MEMS Technologies is a Spanish company specializing in Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology applied to high-accuracy sun sensors and star trackers for space and high-technology markets. The product portfolio centers on attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) for satellites, comprising three main categories: space equipment (sun sensors, star trackers, horizon sensors), ground testing equipment (light stimulators, simulators), and engineering/manufacturing services. Core space products include the SSOC series (analog/digital Fine Sun Sensors), nanoSSOC variants for nano-satellites, ACSS (Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor), nanoST and microST star trackers, and HSNS horizon sensors. Ground equipment includes DQS3 dual-quadrant simulators and LS3 light stimulators for TVAC testing. The company also provides engineering services (GNC/ADCS development, satellite platform design, certified soldering) and electronic manufacturing services (EMS) for aerospace-qualified equipment. Products are characterized by MEMS-based fabrication, flight heritage since 2009, and applications spanning space, automotive, aeronautics, energy, and defense sectors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- nanoST Star Tracker for Nano Satellites providing autonomous star tracking for high-precision CubeSat attitude determination.
- microST High-Precision Star Tracker for Microsatellite Missions providing precision stellar navigation for microsatellites.
- SSOC D60 Digital Fine Sun Sensor based on MEMS fabrication processes, providing two-axis sun angle measurement with integrated microprocessor for direct digital interface output.
- SSOC A60 Analog Fine Sun Sensor with high sensitivity based on geometrical dimensions, calibrated and characterized with look-up table provided.
- nanoSSOC D60 Digital Sun Sensor for Nano-Satellites with tiny size, low weight, and low power consumption. Provides plug-and-play ADCS solution via UART, I2C, or SPI protocols.
- nanoSSOC A60 Analog Sun Sensor for Nano-Satellites based on MEMS fabrication processes with two-axis sun angle measurement for high accurate sun-tracking and attitude determination.
- ACSS Advanced Coarse Sun Sensor offering highest reliability and radiation hardness for demanding LEO, MEO, and GEO missions. Has flight heritage since 2019 with mass production capability of 100 units per month.
- HSNS Horizon Sensor for Nano and Micro Satellites. Quad Thermopile sensor for Earth detection and Nadir vector determination using 4 IR-eyes for infrared radiation measurement.
- DQS3 Advanced Dual Quadrant Sun Sensor Simulator for precision testing of sun sensors under TVAC conditions.
- LS3 Light Stimulator for Sun Sensors - Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) with controlled and stable light source for optical sensor stimulation. Includes 19 inch controller and up to 3 optical heads per unit.
- Engineering Services Comprehensive engineering services including GNC/AOCS/ADCS development, nano/pico satellite platform design, certified space soldering, R&D project management, MEMS technologies, and IOD/IOV mission management.
- EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) Customized aerospace qualified equipment manufacturing including electronic component soldering, mechanical/optical assembly, and complete equipment assembly.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced time-to-orbit for satellite missions with standardized, flight-proven sensors
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Solar MEMS
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Solar MEMS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Solar MEMS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- SATLANTIScoreSOLAR MEMS Technologies and SATLANTIS have partnered to advance next-generation attitude determination for agile Earth observation missions, combining SOLAR MEMS sun sensor technology with SATLANTIS imaging capabilities.
- MDA SpaceflagshipSOLAR MEMS has been selected by MDA Space as part of the MDA AURORA supply chain, providing sun sensor technology for MDA's satellite programs.
- SpaceLockercoreSolar MEMS is listed as one of five European customers on SpaceLocker's 'Out of the Box' CubeSat mission, utilizing the universal space port technology for shared satellite hosting.
- ESA (European Space Agency)flagshipESA is a key customer and partner, working with SOLAR MEMS on various space missions and technology development projects including IOD/IOV missions.
- DLR (German Aerospace Center)coreDLR collaborated with SOLAR MEMS on the EU:CROPIS satellite mission, integrating SOLAR MEMS sun sensors into the attitude control system.
- Airbus Defence and SpaceflagshipSOLAR MEMS provides electronics manufacturing services and components to Airbus, supporting projects requiring high levels of quality and safety in aerospace applications.
- OneWeb SatellitesflagshipSOLAR MEMS is the exclusive sun sensor supplier for OneWeb's mega constellation, providing over 1800 sensors for 900 satellites with dedicated manufacturing lines.
- CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales)coreFrench space agency CNES works with SOLAR MEMS on space missions and technology validation projects.
- NASA Jet Propulsion LaboratoryflagshipNASA JPL collaborates with SOLAR MEMS on space technology projects requiring high-precision attitude determination sensors.
- DIGISOLAR Consortium PartnersminorPartnership with Andalucía Aerospace Cluster, ALTER Technology, Universidad de Sevilla – Instituto de Microelectrónica de Sevilla, and Simetrycal to develop digital sun sensor technology with event-based architecture.
- CEPHEUS ConsortiumminorPartnership with Abengoa Hidrógeno, Inabensa, Mesurex, Idener, Alter Technology TÜV Nord, and AICIA for first Andalusian satellite development.
- AIRWATCH ConsortiumminorPartnership led by Deimos Castilla La Mancha for maritime search and rescue RPAS system development using SOLAR MEMS sun sensors for autonomous landing guidance.
- Sigmaplantas PartnersminorPartnership with ISFOC and Isofoton for microplant heliostat development using SOLAR MEMS sun sensors for concentrated solar power applications.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Solar MEMS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NewSpace Systems: South Africa-based specialist in sun sensors and reaction wheels for small satellites, with broad smallsat ADCS product portfolio. Most direct head-to-head competitor to Solar MEMS in the smallsat sun-sensor category, serving the same constellation and cubesat customers.
- Bradford Space: US-based company (formerly Bradford Engineering / Deep Space Industries) manufacturing fine sun sensors and ADCS components for small spacecraft. Directly comparable in product line and customer base, with overlapping flight heritage on Western smallsat programs.
- Jena-Optronik: German manufacturer of star trackers, sun sensors, and lidar instruments for space applications. A direct peer in the fine sun sensor and star tracker categories, with a much larger installed base and a strong position in ESA programs comparable to Solar MEMS' ESA footprint.
- Sodern: French space-instrument manufacturer (part of Airbus Defence and Space) producing star trackers, sun sensors, and earth-observation instruments. Direct peer in star trackers and sun sensors, with stronger ties to French/European primes — competes with Solar MEMS for the same constellation design-ins.
- Arcsec: Dutch specialist in star trackers and sun sensors for small satellites. Small, focused peer with a similar product positioning to Solar MEMS in the cubesat/microsat ADCS segment, including the Mosquito and Argus star tracker lines.
- Terma (Aerospace): Danish aerospace company with a star tracker and sun sensor product line for satellites. Direct peer in space-qualified sun sensors, with comparable flight heritage and similar European space-agency customer base.
- STT SystemTechnik: German specialist manufacturer of star trackers, sun sensors, and ADCS components for small satellites. Closely comparable in product scope, size, and target customer set to Solar MEMS.
Broad incumbents
- Ball Aerospace: Large US prime with a heritage portfolio of star trackers, sun sensors, and full ADCS solutions across civil, defense, and commercial space programs. Much larger, broader portfolio competitor; relevant as Solar MEMS seeks larger prime-level awards.
- Honeywell Aerospace: Global aerospace incumbent offering a comprehensive range of space-qualified sensors and ADCS subsystems. Competes with Solar MEMS for prime-level awards on commercial and government satellite programs, with significantly greater scale and bundle-pricing leverage.
- Leonardo (Space Division): Italian-headquartered aerospace and defense prime producing star trackers, sun sensors, and full attitude control subsystems for civil and military satellites. A broader European incumbent with a comparable sensor portfolio to Solar MEMS and overlap on ESA/European defense customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Solar MEMS social profiles
Digital presenceSolar MEMS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Solar MEMS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Solar MEMS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Solar MEMS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Solar MEMS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Solar MEMS
What does Solar MEMS do?
SOLAR MEMS Technologies S.L. designs and manufactures MEMS-based high-precision sun sensors, star trackers, and horizon sensors for satellite attitude determination and control systems (ADCS). The company also produces Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) for sensor testing under TVAC conditions, and offers engineering and electronics manufacturing services for aerospace-qualified equipment. Products serve LEO, MEO, and GEO missions with flight heritage since 2009.
Is Solar MEMS a public or private company?
Solar MEMS is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Solar MEMS founded?
Solar MEMS was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Solar MEMS based?
Solar MEMS is headquartered in La Rinconada, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does Solar MEMS make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Sun Sensors and Star Trackers are the primary driver. The others are ground Support Equipment (OGSE), electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and engineering Services.
Who are Solar MEMS's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NewSpace Systems, Bradford Space, Jena-Optronik, Sodern, Arcsec, Terma (Aerospace) and STT SystemTechnik. Broad incumbents are Ball Aerospace, Honeywell Aerospace and Leonardo (Space Division).
Does Solar MEMS have an API?
No public API is recorded for Solar MEMS.
What industry is Solar MEMS in?
Solar MEMS's product category is Space Sensors and Attitude Determination Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAD, Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR), with a secondary code of HDAHAAAG, Sensors, MEMS & Imaging ICs. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.