# Image simulation for space applications with the SurRender software

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2106.11322 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2106.11322/

## Key facts

- Cited by 8 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 17 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 21 Jun 2021.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Scientific image rendering for space scenes with the SurRender software](https://mlsanity.com/paper/1810.01423/) (2018)

## Built on by (most cited first, 8 of 8)

- [Training Datasets Generation for Machine Learning: Application to Vision Based Navigation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.11383/) (2024)
- [NaRPA: Navigation and Rendering Pipeline for Astronautics](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2211.01566/) (2022)
- [Vision-Based Estimation of Small Body Rotational State during the Approach Phase](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2302.11364/) (2023)
- [RETINA: a hardware-in-the-loop optical facility with reduced optical aberrations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.02172/) (2024)
- [GAN-enhanced Simulation-driven DNN Testing in Absence of Ground Truth](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2503.15953/) (2025)
- [Enabling Robust, Real-Time Verification of Vision-Based Navigation through View Synthesis](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.02993/) (2025)
- [Evaluation of image simulation open source solutions for simulation of synthetic images in lunar environment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2604.22296/) (2026)
- [Principal Component Analysis for Lunar Crater Detection](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.17125/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Image Processing algorithms for vision-based navigation require reliable image simulation capacities. In this paper we explain why traditional rendering engines may present limitations that are potentially critical for space applications. We introduce Airbus SurRender software v7 and provide details on features that make it a very powerful space image simulator. We show how SurRender is at the heart of the development processes of our computer vision solutions and we provide a series of illustrations of rendered images for various use cases ranging from Moon and Solar System exploration, to in orbit rendezvous and planetary robotics.