The invention relates to a forward projection apparatus for performing a forward projection through an image (22), wherein at least one of a number of rays (20, 21) for performing the forward projection, a ray spacing between the rays and a kernel width of an interpolation kernel for calculating interpolated values located on the rays is varied depending on the ray width relative to an effective image element spacing between image elements (24) of the image. This allows reducing artifacts in simulated projection data and, thus, in an image, which is iteratively reconstructed by using the simulated projection data. For example, if the number of provided rays and/or the ray spacing between the provided rays is varied, aliasing artifacts can be reduced. Moreover, if the ray spacing between the provided rays and/or the kernel width of the interpolation kernel is varied, artifacts caused by varying effective kernel widths may be reduced.