Digital twin used to test space telescope

Simulation system predicts likely problems, allowing pre-launch fixes

Before it even reaches orbit, China's newest space telescope is already exploring the universe through a complex digital rehearsal.

Scientists have spent six years building a sophisticated simulation system that creates "pixel-perfect" data that mimics what the telescope will see at a pixel level to test the Chinese Space Station Survey Telescope.

This digital twin allows researchers to solve technical problems on the ground before the hardware ever leaves Earth.