Multireference configuration interaction calculations are performed on the SnSi+ ion to study its electronic spectrum. Potential energy curves of the ground and low-lying states up to 35 000 cm (1) are constructed. Spectroscopic constants (T-e, r(e), omega(e)) of 18 bound states are calculated. The spin-orbit coupling is also included in the calculation to study its effect on the potential energy curves and spectroscopic properties of the ion. Transition dipole moments and hence radiative lifetimes of several dipole-allowed and spin-forbidden transitions are computed. Transitions such as 4(4)Sigma(-)-X-4 Sigma and (4)Pi-X-4 Sigma are predicted to be highly probable, while the spin-forbidden transitions are weak. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.