The SPS software simulates the operation of the Spectral and Photometric Imaging Receiver on-board the ESA’s Herschel Space Observatory. It is coded using the Interactive Data Language (IDL), and produces simulated data at the level-0 stage (non-calibrated data in digitised units). The primary uses for the simulator are to:

• optimize and characterize the photometer observing functions
• aid in the development, validation, and characterization of the SPIRE data pipeline
• provide a realistic example of SPIRE data, and thus to facilitate the development of specific analysis tools for specific science cases.

It should be noted that the SPS is not an officially supported product of the SPIRE ICC, and was originally developed for ICC use only. Consequently the SPS can be supported only on a "best efforts" basis.