A sensor alignment system and method is provided that facilitates the
precise alignment determination of satellite sensors. The system and
method utilizes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to facilitate
alignment determination of multiples sensors on a satellite. The system
and method performs a roll of the satellite around a preliminary sensor
active axis, using the IMU to measure the rotation rate in both magnitude
and direction. The sensor input is monitored by the IMU during the roll
around the preliminary sensor axis. The data from sensor output obtained
during the roll can be processed to calculate the difference between the
preliminary sensor axis and the actual sensor axis. From this calculation
the actual alignment of the sensor axis can be determined. Furthermore,
by performing this alignment determination operation for multiple sensors
the relative alignment between sensors can be determined.