Abstract: In order to realize a high-precision and continuous working function of a star sensor, we propose a new 
optical system design. Considering the difficulty of the manufacturing process, the entire optical system uses a complicated Petzval structure. In this paper, the key design elements of the optical system applied for star sensors are presented and the most important performance parameters are given. The ground test results show that the system can maintain excellent detection performance on a near-surface atmospheric platform. This study provides an optical system design scheme for a high-precision and continuous operating star sensor, as well as the theoretical basis for future in-atmosphere and continuous star detection technology.

Key words: star sensor, optical system, design, Petzval structure