Abstract: The lunar south pole has become a focal point for the next phase of lunar exploration, and optical remote sensing is a critical tool for acquiring scientific data about the lunar south pole. Due to the complex lighting conditions at the lunar poles, time-delay integration (TDI) cameras, capable of dynamically adjusting integration levels, are essential optical payloads for future lunar polar missions. This study utilized a backward path tracing method, incorporating parameters of the TDI camera, orbiter trajectory, the three-dimensional structure of the lunar south pole, and the lighting conditions near the poles, to construct a comprehensive optical remote sensing imaging model which simulates imaging results under varying parameters. The proposed simulation method was applicable to regions with direct illumination and permanently shadowed regions, which were illuminated only by secondary scattering light. A comparison with real images from the linear array scanning camera onboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) shows that the average relative error for simulated images of directly illuminated regions is within 10%. The results also validate the high-resolution imaging capability of the TFS camera in permanently shadowed regions. This study provides a feasible simulation framework for future optical remote sensing missions to the lunar south pole,offering valuable guidance for researchers in selecting appropriate parameters for practical engineering applications. 

Key words: imaging chain modeling, time-delay integration cameras, Lunar South Pole, radiosity transfer, optical remote sensing