Research on calibration technology for optical multi-star simulators

Optical multi-star simulators are essential equipment for testing the performance metrics of products such as star sensors, detection cameras, and satellite navigation systems. The accuracy of star spot positions is their core performance metric, directly affecting the accuracy of product test results. This paper addresses the calibration of star spot position errors in optical multi-star simulators, conducting relevant calibration method research and elaborating on the measurement principles and error mathematical model of star spot positions. A screen scanning method for determining the position of simulated stars is proposed, which offers advantages of faster and more comprehensive star-finding compared to the centerbased star-finding method provided by the manufacturer. Based on azimuth and pitch angles, the relative positions of the identified star points are rapidly and accurately simulated via computer. The measurement uncertainty analysis of star spot position errors yielded an uncertainty of U=2.0". According to the basic requirements of conformity assessment, this method can calibrate optical multi-star simulators with star spot position errors below 6.0″. Additionally, based on the sources of measurement uncertainty, some suggestions are proposed for the calibration process of star spot position errors and the manufacturing process of the simulator's star spot plate, providing references for the development and testing of high-precision optical systems.