The data simulation for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) can provide critical data support for the development, testing, and validation of space surveillance equipment and situational awareness algorithms (including detection, tracking, recognition, and characterization of space object), playing a significant role in building SSA capabilities. Taking the optical data simulation for space-based situational awareness as the research subject, the purpose and main research content of SSA data simulation are presented, and the typical research methods and processes of SSA optical imaging simulation are set forth. The current research status and progress in domestic and foreign related research are introduced, covering the imaging modeling and simulation achievements of different optical sensing systems such as binocular vision sensors, LiDAR, infrared sensors, visible light telescopes, and star trackers. The development trend of SSA data simulation research is analyzed, providing reference for future research ideas and approaches of SSA data simulation.