Abstract: The Terrestrial Target Response Function(TTRF) of satellite laser altimeter is the key factor for evaluating its performance. According to the distribution characteristics of transmitted Gaussian laser beam and the target response function, the methods of using equal-interval concentric rings and dividing circumference uniformly were utilized to achieve the discrete triangular mesh of target. Based on the homogeneity of the triangular mesh and error model about characteristic parameters of TTRF, a new parameter selection method of TTRF was presented in terms of the simulation error index. In light of geosciences laser altimeter system(GLAS) parameters, the TTRF waveform distribution of planar target with three typical slope targets(3 and 12.5 and 12.5) and multiple planar targets were simulated, by restricting the allowance error of its characteristic parameters within 2%. The calculated error is less than 1.16%, which proved that the method on simulation of TTRF is correct. The results have some application values for the simulation on received signal waveform of laser altimeter, data inversion and the performance evaluation.