Looking for old DOS orbit simulator.

In summary, the game resembled a space invaders-esque game in which the player had to launch a small probe into orbit around the Earth and then use their thrusters to place it into an orbit around the moon. The game was ostensibly simple, but depended on the player's accuracy in firing their thrusters in order to maintain a stable orbit.
  • #1
B. Elliott
263
10
It was more of a game actually. I believe the name of it was Moon Shot, Moon Lander or something to that extent.

The game was laid out fairly simple. The entire game was composed of a white blob in the center of the screen (Earth) along with another eraser-head sized blob orbiting around the Earth at a slow, steady pace (the Moon). Both objects produced their own gravity field... the Earth's was noticably stronger. The object of the game was to launch the probe (small white blip) from Earth using your thrusters (directional keys) in an attempt to get the probe into a steady orbit around the earth. Your orbit may end up as highly eccentric or very close to circular depending on how long and in what direction you fire the thrusters.

Once in a steady orbit around the Earth, you then fire your thrusters in an attempt to place your probe in an intercept orbit around the Moon. If you can do this, you win.

The part about the game that really amazed me considering how simple it was, was how well the game simulated gravity. If you played around with it long enough, you could actually get your probe into sweet spots (Lagrange points) where it would just follow the orbit of the moon around the Earth... or have it orbit slightly ahead of the Moons orbit. The closer you are to the object, the greater the effect of gravity.Please tell me someone has seen this game or may have a copy. I've been searching for four years now!

Brett,
 
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  • #3
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=836976#post836976

Something like that?
 
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  • #5
dlgoff said:

It definitely wasn't lunar lander. That does remind me though, I think I might still have the atari version packed away in the closet.

Gokul43201 said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=836976#post836976

Something like that?

That one is actually pretty neat but not it. Apparently there's been a lot of java apps that have come out in the past few years because that's all I come across whenever I try to search for it now.

The game looked EXACTLY like this except that in the top left corner it shows your velocity while in the top right it shows your x/y coordinates. A very simple program.:biggrin:

untitled2.jpg
I do greatly appreciate any efforts.
 
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FAQ: Looking for old DOS orbit simulator.

1. What is an old DOS orbit simulator?

An old DOS orbit simulator is a computer program that simulates the motion of objects in orbit around a larger body, such as a planet or star. It was designed to run on computers using the MS-DOS operating system, which was popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Where can I find an old DOS orbit simulator?

You can find old DOS orbit simulators on various websites that offer vintage software or abandonware. You may also find them on online communities or forums dedicated to retro computing.

3. How does an old DOS orbit simulator work?

An old DOS orbit simulator uses mathematical equations and algorithms to calculate the positions and movements of objects in orbit. It takes into account factors such as gravity, velocity, and mass to accurately simulate the behavior of celestial bodies.

4. Can I use an old DOS orbit simulator for educational purposes?

Yes, an old DOS orbit simulator can be a valuable educational tool for learning about orbital mechanics and celestial motion. It can help students visualize and understand complex concepts in a hands-on and interactive way.

5. Are there any modern alternatives to old DOS orbit simulators?

Yes, there are many modern orbit simulators available that offer more advanced features and graphics. Some popular options include Universe Sandbox, Kerbal Space Program, and SpaceEngine. However, old DOS orbit simulators can still be useful for historical or nostalgic purposes.

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