Engineering challenges in space
Optical instruments sent into space must operate reliably for years or decades under extreme conditions — vacuum, temperature swings from -200°C to +200°C, radiation, and launch vibrations. On-orbit repair is impossible or extremely costly. That's why every optical instrument — a telescope, a scientific camera, a laser rangefinder, a navigation sensor — must go through hundreds of hours of simulation before it goes on a rocket.
One of the critical problems in space optics is stray light analysis — unwanted scattered light that can blind sensitive detectors or distort measurement results. TracePro has long been the industry standard for stray light analysis, used, among other things, on the James Webb Space Telescope, Mars Rover cameras, and ICESat-2 instruments.
In parallel, satellite communication systems (Satcom) require precise optical system simulations — both at the component level (OptiFDTD, OptiGrating) and for transmission systems (OptiSystem for free-space and fiber optical links).
How does our software support design?
| Product | Role in this area |
|---|---|
 | Stray light analysis, telescope design, instrument illumination systems |
 | Designing imaging optics — camera lenses, collimating systems, scientific instruments |
 | Simulating Satcom links — FSO (Free Space Optical), inter-satellite laser systems |
 | Bragg gratings in spectral instruments and satellite thermal sensors |
stray light analysis in a satellite camera
Design assumptions
The project involves analyzing the effect of stray light on the imaging quality of a satellite camera operating in orbital conditions. The goal is to limit the impact of light coming from the sun, the Earth, and bright objects outside the instrument's field of view.
Optical system model
The complete camera geometry was represented in the simulation environment, including the optical tube, internal baffles, sunshades, and reflective elements. Ray-tracing analysis was used, accounting for multiple reflections and light scattering on the structure's surfaces.
Stray light distribution analysis
A Monte Carlo simulation determined the paths of rays reaching the detector outside the main imaging path. The level of stray light was determined, along with its effect on image contrast and potential areas where flares and local sensor saturation could occur.
Shield-design optimization
The analysis results identified sources of unwanted reflections inside the tube. The baffle geometry, edge shape, and absorbing-surface properties were optimized, reducing multiple light reflections and lowering the optical background level.
Verified design
The simulations made it possible to achieve the required level of stray light suppression before building a prototype, reducing the number of costly environmental tests and qualification campaigns for the satellite camera.
Frequently asked questions
Space
Was TracePro really used on NASA projects?
Yes. TracePro was used in the stray light analysis of the James Webb Space Telescope, on Mars Rover cameras, the LORRI instrument, and the ICESat-2 satellite (measuring glacier thickness). Lambda Research Corporation was founded from a NASA SBIR grant.
Does the software support materials used in space optics (Zerodur, Be, SiC)?
TracePro and OSLO let you define custom materials with any optical and thermal properties. Libraries of standard precision-optics materials are also available.
Is it possible to simulate free-space optical (FSO) links between satellites?
Yes. OptiSystem supports FSO (Free Space Optical) channels with models of atmospheric turbulence, laser beam divergence, and geometric effects, enabling the design of inter-satellite and satellite-to-ground links.
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