Constructing the radiation characteristics of space targets is of great significance for the development of space situational awareness technology. In this study, we aim to investigate the infrared radiation characteristics of space targets by developing a simulation program based on the finite element method and unstructured tetrahedral mesh. Through vector coordinate transformation, we calculate the orbit external heat flux received by each surface of the target. By combining the surface material properties and Bidirectional Reflection Distribution Function (BRDF), the temperature and infrared radiation characteristics of each target surface were simulated. Furthermore, we analyze the spectral radiation intensity of the target in the ascending and descending orbital arcs under ground-based detection conditions, taking into account the effects of atmospheric attenuation and background radiation. The results show that, for a three-axis stabilized synchronous orbit satellite with solar panels fixed in the flight direction, the temperature variation range of each surface in the sunlight area and the shadow area is small. The detection effect of the long-wave band of 8~14 μm is better than that of the medium-wave band of 3~5 μm, and the maximum radiation intensity is about 770 W/sr. Ground-based infrared spectrum detection is more affected by the atmosphere, and the detection band must be optimally selected.