Mock Observations for the CSST Mission: Multi-Channel Imager--Instrument Simulation

TL;DR

This paper presents a comprehensive simulation software for the Multi-Channel Imager (MCI) on the CSST, enabling evaluation and calibration of data streams to support scientific research and operational strategies.

Contribution

It introduces a realistic observational simulation software for the MCI instrument, aiding in data processing, hardware/software improvements, and mission planning.

Findings

Simulation software effectively models MCI data streams.

Supports calibration and operational strategy development.

Enhances readiness for scientific data analysis.

Abstract

The Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope (CSST), a two-meter aperture astronomical space telescope under China's manned space program, is equipped with multiple back-end scientific instruments. As an astronomical precision measurement module of the CSST, the Multi-Channel Imager (MCI) can cover a wide wavelength range from ultraviolet to near-infrared with three-color simultaneous high-precision photometry and imaging, which meets the scientific requirements for various fields. The diverse scientific objectives of MCI require not only a robust airborne platform, advanced optical systems, and observing facilities but also comprehensive software support for scientific operations and research. To this end, it is essential to develop realistic observational simulation software to thoroughly evaluate the MCI data stream and provide calibration tools for future scientific investigations. The MCI instrument simulation software will serve as a foundation for the development of the MCI data processing pipeline and will facilitate improvements in both hardware and software, as well as in the observational operation strategy, in alignment with the mission's scientific goals. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive overview of the MCI instrument simulation and some corresponding performances of the MCI data processing pipeline.