Space flight sim with realistic physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a space flight simulation program called Orbiter, focusing on its realistic physics engine and gameplay experience. Participants share their experiences with the software, including challenges faced and features they wish were available.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant provides a link to download Orbiter, highlighting its steep learning curve due to the physics engine.
  • Another participant expresses frustration about the timing of the post, as it coincides with their final projects.
  • A participant expresses enthusiasm for the simulation and suggests that a version for PlayStation would be commercially successful.
  • One user shares their past experiences with an earlier version of Orbiter, mentioning specific limitations such as the inability to save progress and issues with orbital eccentricities.
  • This user notes improvements in a newer version they downloaded, indicating a positive outlook on its performance compared to previous versions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varied experiences and opinions about the simulation, with some sharing positive feedback and others noting limitations. There is no consensus on the overall quality or features of the software, as experiences differ.

Contextual Notes

Limitations mentioned include the inability to save progress in earlier versions and issues with displaying certain orbital characteristics. These factors may affect user experience and engagement with the simulation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in space flight simulations, realistic physics in gaming, or those looking for software to explore orbital mechanics may find this discussion relevant.

Cecil
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It's called Orbiter, and you can get a free copy here:

http://www.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/~martins/orbit/orbit.html

Fly several different spacecraft (both VTOL and HTOL) around the solar system. The learning curve is very steep due to the physics engine; you can't get to the moon just by aiming and accelerating. :D
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Oh damn you for posting that link when final projects are due...


damn damn damn



Welcome to the forums, BTW!
 
This looks amazing. I wish someone had the foresight to make a "game" like this for PlayStation. Jesus, you know it'd sell.

- Warren
 
I've played around with an eariler version. Docked with the ISS. made it to the moon (but without enough fuel to make it home:frown: ) That version had a few shortcomings: you couldn't save your progress, so every flight had to be done in one session. (made it hard to make interplanetary trips) It wouldn't display orbital eccentricities greater than 1. and a couple of other things.

I downloaded an upgraded version a while back, but it seemed to have conlict problems with my system.

I've just downloaded the newest upgrade, and so far it doesn't seem to suffer from the same conflicts. I look forward to playing around with this newest version.
 

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