<scp>mauvesim</scp> : the instrument simulator software for the Blue Skies Space <i>Mauve</i> satellite

ABSTRACT We present mauvesim, the instrument simulator software for Mauve, the latest mission from Blue Skies Space dedicated to time-domain stellar astronomy. mauvesim functions as an end-to-end simulator, employing the most up-to-date knowledge of the instrument’s performance and characteristics that will be reviewed and updated after commissioning. The software accepts a stellar spectrum – either observed or synthetic – as input and produces a simulated observation. The tool thus enables the assessment of various scientific objectives, as well as determining limiting magnitudes and conducting signal-to-noise (S/N) analyses. The results of mauvesim have been validated against instrument performance data from extensive ground testing campaigns, ensuring that the software reflects the most up-to-date understanding of the payload performance. Accessible to all scientists involved in the mission, mauvesim serves as a crucial tool for target selection and observation planning.