SurRender software
A versatile image simulator for space scenes
Exploring the farthest reaches of space requires very precise mission preparation. Since 2011, Airbus has been developing the SurRender software, a precise and flexible image simulator that supports all development phases, from system sizing and feasibility studies to integration and testing.
Particularly useful for the development and validation of vision-based navigation techniques, SurRender is used in many projects and missions, including the image processing algorithms for the European JUICE mission (JUpiter ICy moons Explorer), for MSR ERO (Mars Sample Return Earth Return Orbiter) and for the development of GNC solutions for planetary landers.
SurRender is able to render artificial objects such as satellites and rovers with high physical representativeness. It is a strong asset for the preparation of new missions such as in-orbit servicing, debris capture and Space Situational Awareness (SSA).
The SurRender Moon renderer is a high performance simulator able to produce high quality images and point clouds anywhere on the Moon in real time to enable the development of future Moon missions.
Key features of SurRender
- The software handles various space objects such as planets, asteroids, satellites, spacecraft and star catalogues. Solar system sized scenes can be handled without loss precision.
- Supported objects include Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), 3D meshes, analytical shapes, light sources, star maps.
- Multi-resolution maps and DEMs, fusion of datasets with various projection models.
- Detailed models of sensors (cameras, LiDAR) with validated radiometric and geometric models (global or rolling shutter, resolution, pupil size, gain, variable PSF, noise, distortion, PRNU, defocus, etc.)
- Physical image simulation in raytracing on the CPU to evaluate algorithm performance and consolidate of sensor design.
- Real-time image generation for real-time testing of on-board software.
- Camera emulation for electrical or optical stimulation of sensors.
- All surface properties can be customised with user-specified reflectance models (BRDF), textures and normal maps.
- Addition of procedural details: fractal albedos, multi-scale elevation structures, 3D models, distribution of craters and rocks.
- Flexible interface in client-server mode, cloud computing and multiple programming languages
SurRender is a professional software. Licences can be granted for academic or commercial use.
Discover more
Downloads:
SurRender Technical features
The SurRender software article
Second SurRender article
- Downloads:
SurRender Technical features
The SurRender software article
Second SurRender article
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