Simulation of night sky images with an ideal pinhole model for a star sensor

In this paper, the aim is to simulate night-sky images for use in star-sensor designing software. For this purpose, a comprehensive and precise algorithm was developed to simulate night sky images based on the ideal pinhole method and the use of Gaussian distribution functions. Then, in order to create more realism, sources of random and systematic errors, the elongated images due to the high dynamics of the platform, as well as the asymmetric back-lighting of the moon, the sun, and the planets of the solar system have been simulated. Finally, considering the importance of realism in the problem-solving simulation approach, the use of precision ray tracking method as an alternative to the ideal pinhole method is suggested.