diff --git a/satpy/composites/aux_data.py b/satpy/composites/aux_data.py
index 3179f826a5..3463c7368d 100644
--- a/satpy/composites/aux_data.py
+++ b/satpy/composites/aux_data.py
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ def __call__(self, *args, **kwargs):
             if self.area is None:
                 raise AttributeError("Area definition needs to be configured")
             img.attrs["area"] = self.area
-        img.attrs["sensor"] = None
+        img.attrs["sensor"] = set()
         img.attrs["mode"] = "".join(img.bands.data)
         img.attrs.pop("modifiers", None)
         img.attrs.pop("calibration", None)
diff --git a/satpy/composites/config_loader.py b/satpy/composites/config_loader.py
index e5165ada01..6617cfc665 100644
--- a/satpy/composites/config_loader.py
+++ b/satpy/composites/config_loader.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 from satpy import DataID, DataQuery
 from satpy._config import config_search_paths, get_entry_points_config_dirs, glob_config
 from satpy.dataset.dataid import minimal_default_keys_config
-from satpy.utils import recursive_dict_update
+from satpy.utils import normalize_sensor_name, recursive_dict_update
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ def load_compositor_configs_for_sensor(sensor_name: str) -> tuple[dict[str, dict
                 DataID key -> key properties
 
     """
-    config_filename = sensor_name + ".yaml"
+    config_filename = normalize_sensor_name(sensor_name) + ".yaml"
     logger.debug("Looking for composites config file %s", config_filename)
     paths = get_entry_points_config_dirs("satpy.composites")
     composite_configs = config_search_paths(
diff --git a/satpy/composites/core.py b/satpy/composites/core.py
index 1b124eb88a..b568bc8819 100644
--- a/satpy/composites/core.py
+++ b/satpy/composites/core.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@
 
 from satpy.dataset import DataID, combine_metadata
 from satpy.dataset.dataid import minimal_default_keys_config
-from satpy.utils import unify_chunks
+from satpy.utils import get_sensors_from_attrs, unify_chunks
 
 LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -433,20 +433,11 @@ def _concat_datasets(self, projectables, mode):
 
         return data
 
-    def _get_sensors(self, projectables):
-        sensor = set()
+    def _get_sensors(self, projectables) -> set[str]:
+        sensors = set()
         for projectable in projectables:
-            current_sensor = projectable.attrs.get("sensor", None)
-            if current_sensor:
-                if isinstance(current_sensor, (str, bytes)):
-                    sensor.add(current_sensor)
-                else:
-                    sensor |= current_sensor
-        if len(sensor) == 0:
-            sensor = None
-        elif len(sensor) == 1:
-            sensor = list(sensor)[0]
-        return sensor
+            sensors.update(get_sensors_from_attrs(projectable.attrs))
+        return sensors
 
     def __call__(
             self,
diff --git a/satpy/enhancements/enhancer.py b/satpy/enhancements/enhancer.py
index b196c63e28..7a217bc82e 100644
--- a/satpy/enhancements/enhancer.py
+++ b/satpy/enhancements/enhancer.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 
 from satpy._config import config_search_paths, get_entry_points_config_dirs
 from satpy.decision_tree import DecisionTree
-from satpy.utils import get_logger, recursive_dict_update
+from satpy.utils import get_logger, get_sensors_from_attrs, normalize_sensor_name, recursive_dict_update
 
 LOG = get_logger(__name__)
 
@@ -122,26 +122,23 @@ def __init__(self, enhancement_config_file=None):
 
         self.sensor_enhancement_configs = []
 
-    def get_sensor_enhancement_config(self, sensor):
+    def get_sensor_enhancement_config(self, sensors: set[str]):
         """Get the sensor-specific config."""
-        if isinstance(sensor, str):
-            # one single sensor
-            sensor = [sensor]
-
         paths = get_entry_points_config_dirs("satpy.enhancements")
-        for sensor_name in sensor:
-            config_fn = os.path.join("enhancements", sensor_name + ".yaml")
+        for sensor_name in sensors:
+            basename = normalize_sensor_name(sensor_name) + ".yaml"
+            config_fn = os.path.join("enhancements", basename)
             config_files = config_search_paths(config_fn, search_dirs=paths)
             # Note: Enhancement configuration files can't overwrite individual
             # options, only entire sections are overwritten
             for config_file in config_files:
                 yield config_file
 
-    def add_sensor_enhancements(self, sensor):
+    def add_sensor_enhancements(self, sensors: set[str]):
         """Add sensor-specific enhancements."""
         # XXX: Should we just load all enhancements from the base directory?
         new_configs = []
-        for config_file in self.get_sensor_enhancement_config(sensor):
+        for config_file in self.get_sensor_enhancement_config(sensors):
             if config_file not in self.sensor_enhancement_configs:
                 self.sensor_enhancement_configs.append(config_file)
                 new_configs.append(config_file)
@@ -209,9 +206,9 @@ def get_enhanced_image(dataset, enhance=None, overlay=None, decorate=None,
     if enhancer is None or enhancer.enhancement_tree is None:
         LOG.debug("No enhancement being applied to dataset")
     else:
-        if dataset.attrs.get("sensor", None):
-            enhancer.add_sensor_enhancements(dataset.attrs["sensor"])
-
+        sensors = get_sensors_from_attrs(dataset.attrs)
+        if sensors:
+            enhancer.add_sensor_enhancements(sensors)
         enhancer.apply(img, **dataset.attrs)
 
     if overlay is not None:
diff --git a/satpy/modifiers/_crefl_utils.py b/satpy/modifiers/_crefl_utils.py
index b8a1d52a4b..b638bfbf2f 100644
--- a/satpy/modifiers/_crefl_utils.py
+++ b/satpy/modifiers/_crefl_utils.py
@@ -70,6 +70,7 @@
 import xarray as xr
 
 from satpy.dataset.dataid import WavelengthRange
+from satpy.utils import get_one_sensor_from_attrs, normalize_sensor_name
 
 LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -282,7 +283,8 @@ def run_crefl(refl,
     :param avg_elevation: average elevation (usually pre-calculated and stored in CMGDEM.hdf)
 
     """
-    runner_cls = _runner_class_for_sensor(refl.attrs["sensor"])
+    sensor = get_one_sensor_from_attrs(refl.attrs)
+    runner_cls = _runner_class_for_sensor(sensor)
     runner = runner_cls(refl)
     corr_refl = runner(sensor_azimuth, sensor_zenith, solar_azimuth, solar_zenith, avg_elevation)
     return corr_refl
@@ -384,7 +386,7 @@ def _run_crefl(self, mus, muv, phi, solar_zenith, sensor_zenith, height, coeffs)
 
 def _runner_class_for_sensor(sensor_name: str) -> Type[_CREFLRunner]:
     try:
-        return _SENSOR_TO_RUNNER[sensor_name]
+        return _SENSOR_TO_RUNNER[normalize_sensor_name(sensor_name)]
     except KeyError:
         raise NotImplementedError(f"Don't know how to apply CREFL to data from sensor {sensor_name}.")
 
diff --git a/satpy/modifiers/atmosphere.py b/satpy/modifiers/atmosphere.py
index c7144c27ca..1ed3f5d026 100644
--- a/satpy/modifiers/atmosphere.py
+++ b/satpy/modifiers/atmosphere.py
@@ -26,6 +26,7 @@
 from satpy.modifiers import ModifierBase
 from satpy.modifiers._crefl import ReflectanceCorrector  # noqa
 from satpy.modifiers.angles import compute_relative_azimuth, get_angles, get_satellite_zenith_angle
+from satpy.utils import get_one_sensor_from_attrs, get_pyspectral_sensor_name
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -104,7 +105,10 @@ def __call__(self, projectables, optional_datasets=None, **info):
         logger.info("Removing Rayleigh scattering with atmosphere '%s' and "
                     "aerosol type '%s' for '%s'",
                     atmosphere, aerosol_type, vis.attrs["name"])
-        corrector = Rayleigh(vis.attrs["platform_name"], vis.attrs["sensor"],
+        sensor = get_pyspectral_sensor_name(
+            get_one_sensor_from_attrs(vis.attrs)
+        )
+        corrector = Rayleigh(vis.attrs["platform_name"], sensor,
                              atmosphere=atmosphere,
                              aerosol_type=aerosol_type)
 
@@ -158,8 +162,11 @@ def __call__(self, projectables, optional_datasets=None, **info):
         satz = satz.data  # get dask array underneath
 
         logger.info("Correction for limb cooling")
+        sensor = get_pyspectral_sensor_name(
+            get_one_sensor_from_attrs(band.attrs)
+        )
         corrector = AtmosphericalCorrection(band.attrs["platform_name"],
-                                            band.attrs["sensor"])
+                                            sensor)
 
         atm_corr = da.map_blocks(_call_mapped_correction, satz, band.data,
                                  corrector=corrector,
diff --git a/satpy/modifiers/spectral.py b/satpy/modifiers/spectral.py
index 402b5606d4..9e55972e0b 100644
--- a/satpy/modifiers/spectral.py
+++ b/satpy/modifiers/spectral.py
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 import xarray as xr
 
 from satpy.modifiers import ModifierBase
+from satpy.utils import get_one_sensor_from_attrs, get_pyspectral_sensor_name
 
 try:
     from pyspectral.near_infrared_reflectance import Calculator
@@ -131,8 +132,10 @@ def _init_reflectance_calculator(self, metadata):
         if not Calculator:
             logger.info("Couldn't load pyspectral")
             raise ImportError("No module named pyspectral.near_infrared_reflectance")
-
-        reflectance_3x_calculator = Calculator(metadata["platform_name"], metadata["sensor"], metadata["name"],
+        sensor = get_pyspectral_sensor_name(
+            get_one_sensor_from_attrs(metadata)
+        )
+        reflectance_3x_calculator = Calculator(metadata["platform_name"], sensor, metadata["name"],
                                                sunz_threshold=self.sun_zenith_threshold,
                                                masking_limit=self.masking_limit)
         return reflectance_3x_calculator
diff --git a/satpy/readers/abi_l1b.py b/satpy/readers/abi_l1b.py
index 48e82f6968..b144529ebe 100644
--- a/satpy/readers/abi_l1b.py
+++ b/satpy/readers/abi_l1b.py
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ def get_dataset(self, key, info):
 
     def _adjust_attrs(self, data, key):
         data.attrs.update({"platform_name": self.platform_name,
-                          "sensor": self.sensor})
+                          "sensor": {self.sensor}})
         # Add orbital parameters
         projection = self.nc["goes_imager_projection"]
         data.attrs["orbital_parameters"] = {
diff --git a/satpy/readers/core/abi.py b/satpy/readers/core/abi.py
index e50cd616c4..d51764dc38 100644
--- a/satpy/readers/core/abi.py
+++ b/satpy/readers/core/abi.py
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ def _rename_dims(nc):
     @property
     def sensor(self):
         """Get sensor name for current file handler."""
-        return "abi"
+        return "ABI"
 
     def __getitem__(self, item):
         """Wrap `self.nc[item]` for better floating point precision.
diff --git a/satpy/readers/core/file_handlers.py b/satpy/readers/core/file_handlers.py
index ac6626959c..6917988aa3 100644
--- a/satpy/readers/core/file_handlers.py
+++ b/satpy/readers/core/file_handlers.py
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ def end_time(self):
         return self.filename_info.get("end_time", self.start_time)
 
     @property
-    def sensor_names(self):
+    def sensor_names(self) -> set:
         """List of sensors represented in this file."""
         raise NotImplementedError
 
diff --git a/satpy/scene.py b/satpy/scene.py
index 8693cc77b4..afcdb5dbae 100644
--- a/satpy/scene.py
+++ b/satpy/scene.py
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@
 from satpy.dependency_tree import DependencyTree
 from satpy.node import CompositorNode, MissingDependencies, ReaderNode
 from satpy.readers.core.loading import load_readers
-from satpy.utils import convert_remote_files_to_fsspec, get_storage_options_from_reader_kwargs
+from satpy.utils import convert_remote_files_to_fsspec, get_sensors_from_attrs, get_storage_options_from_reader_kwargs
 
 LOG = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -197,12 +197,7 @@ def sensor_names(self) -> set[str]:
     def _contained_sensor_names(self) -> set[str]:
         sensor_names = set()
         for data_arr in self.values():
-            if "sensor" not in data_arr.attrs:
-                continue
-            if isinstance(data_arr.attrs["sensor"], str):
-                sensor_names.add(data_arr.attrs["sensor"])
-            elif isinstance(data_arr.attrs["sensor"], set):
-                sensor_names.update(data_arr.attrs["sensor"])
+            sensor_names.update(get_sensors_from_attrs(data_arr.attrs))
         return sensor_names
 
     @property
diff --git a/satpy/utils.py b/satpy/utils.py
index bdf9d77e4c..1173d0718a 100644
--- a/satpy/utils.py
+++ b/satpy/utils.py
@@ -940,3 +940,36 @@ def flatten_dict(d, parent_key="", sep="_"):
         else:
             items.append((new_key, v))
     return dict(items)
+
+
+def get_sensors_from_attrs(attrs: dict[str,Any]) -> set[str]:
+    """Get sensor names from dataset attributes."""
+    return attrs.get("sensor", set())
+
+
+def normalize_sensor_name(sensor: str) -> str:
+    """Normalize sensor name for internal usage."""
+    return sensor.replace("-", "").replace(" ", "_").replace("/", "-").lower()
+
+
+def get_one_sensor_from_attrs(attrs: dict[str,Any]) -> str:
+    """Get a single sensor name from dataset attributes."""
+    sensors = get_sensors_from_attrs(attrs)
+    if not sensors:
+        raise KeyError("No 'sensor' dataset attribute")
+    if len(sensors) > 1:
+        logger.warning(f"More than one sensor in dataset attributes, will use the first value: {sensors}")
+    return list(sensors)[0]
+
+
+def get_pyspectral_sensor_name(sensor: str) -> str:
+    """Get sensor name expected by pyspectral."""
+    return normalize_sensor_name(sensor)
+
+
+def serialize_sensors(sensors: set[str]) -> str:
+    """Serialize a set of sensors."""
+    return "-".join(
+        sensor.replace("-", "").replace(" ", "").replace("/", "").lower()
+        for sensor in sorted(sensors)
+    )
diff --git a/satpy/writers/core/base.py b/satpy/writers/core/base.py
index e0a53d0f7e..f8c1c1616e 100644
--- a/satpy/writers/core/base.py
+++ b/satpy/writers/core/base.py
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 """Shared objects and base classes for writers."""
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+import contextlib
 import logging
 import os
 import typing
@@ -23,6 +24,7 @@
 
 from satpy.aux_download import DataDownloadMixin
 from satpy.plugin_base import Plugin
+from satpy.utils import serialize_sensors
 from satpy.writers.core.compute import compute_writer_results, split_results
 
 if typing.TYPE_CHECKING:
@@ -136,8 +138,8 @@ def create_filename_parser(self, base_dir):
 
     @staticmethod
     def _prepare_metadata_for_filename_formatting(attrs):
-        if isinstance(attrs.get("sensor"), set):
-            attrs["sensor"] = "-".join(sorted(attrs["sensor"]))
+        with contextlib.suppress(KeyError):
+            attrs["sensor"] = serialize_sensors(attrs["sensor"])
 
     def get_filename(self, **kwargs):
         """Create a filename where output data will be saved.
diff --git a/satpy/writers/mitiff.py b/satpy/writers/mitiff.py
index 7788d4b78a..0ed78e1a6a 100644
--- a/satpy/writers/mitiff.py
+++ b/satpy/writers/mitiff.py
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 
 from satpy.dataset import DataID, DataQuery
 from satpy.enhancements.enhancer import get_enhanced_image
+from satpy.utils import get_one_sensor_from_attrs
 from satpy.writers.core.image import ImageWriter
 
 if typing.TYPE_CHECKING:
@@ -53,12 +54,9 @@ def _adjust_kwargs(dataset, kwargs):
     if "start_time" not in kwargs:
         kwargs["start_time"] = dataset.attrs["start_time"]
     if "sensor" not in kwargs:
-        kwargs["sensor"] = dataset.attrs["sensor"]
-    # Sensor attrs could be set. MITIFFs needing to handle sensor can only have one sensor
-    # Assume the first value of set as the sensor.
-    if isinstance(kwargs["sensor"], set):
-        LOG.warning("Sensor is set, will use the first value: %s", kwargs["sensor"])
-        kwargs["sensor"] = (list(kwargs["sensor"]))[0]
+        #  MITIFFs needing to handle sensor can only have one sensor
+        # Assume the first value of set as the sensor.
+        kwargs["sensor"] = get_one_sensor_from_attrs(dataset.attrs)
 
 
 class MITIFFWriter(ImageWriter):