Looking for old DOS orbit simulator.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around identifying an old DOS-based orbit simulation game, which some participants recall as being titled "Moon Shot" or "Moon Lander." The game is described as involving gravity simulation and orbital mechanics, where players launch a probe from Earth to achieve stable orbits around both Earth and the Moon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the game mechanics, emphasizing the simulation of gravity and the ability to achieve Lagrange points.
  • Another participant suggests a link to a game titled "Lunar Lander," questioning if it is the game in question.
  • A different participant offers a link to a simpler game that shares some similarities but is not the same as the one being sought.
  • One participant reiterates that the game is not "Lunar Lander" and mentions having an Atari version, indicating a potential for different platforms.
  • Another participant notes the prevalence of Java applications that resemble the game but confirms they are not the original DOS game being sought.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to agree on the specific game being referenced, with multiple suggestions and clarifications indicating that the original game remains unidentified.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the exact title and version of the game, and there are references to different platforms and variations that may complicate identification.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in retro gaming, particularly those who recall or are searching for classic DOS games related to space and orbital mechanics.

B. Elliott
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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,
 
Physics news on Phys.org
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=836976#post836976

Something like that?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
dlgoff said:
You're not thinking of http://www.download-full-games.com/pc/arcade_action/lunar_lander.html" are you?

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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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