Toulon, France--The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) in Beijing, China's biggest space agency, has chosen stray-light analysis software from Optis to optimize the optical performance of satellites and imaging equipment used in space.

The China Academy of Space Technology is responsible for the coordination of the national Chinese Space Programme, and participated in the development of the stray-light-analysis feature of Optis' program (called OptisWorks). The OptisWorks software simulates light sources, materials, and environments, enabling designers to optimize the optical performances and appearance of any system without experimental prototyping. The program integrates into the SolidWorks CAD package, enabling designers to optimize optical and mechanical aspects concurrently and try out multiple iterations.

Established in 1968, CAST is located in the Haidian district of northeastern Beijing. It is one of the seven design academies under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It employs more than 10,000 people in 10 research institutes and two factories, which develop and produce scientific and applications satellites. CAST is currently capable of producing 4-6 satellites per year, and is also responsible for the research and development of sounding rockets. The Dongfanghong-4 (DFH-4), a high capacity telecommunications satellite, is currently under development. More information on CAST can be found at http://www.cast.cn/CastEn/.

Optis says that it is the only company to provide a light-simulation program fully based on a physical model inside a CAD/CAM software. For more info on Optis, see http://www.optis-world.com.

Posted by John Wallace

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