Where Can I Find Resources on Orbital Mechanics for Game Development?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding resources for incorporating realistic Newtonian physics and orbital mechanics into a sci-fi real-time strategy (RTS) game. The user seeks guidance on maneuvering spacecraft, specifically calculating movements between different orbits and planets. A recommended starting resource is the website http://www.braeunig.us/space/orbmech.htm#launch, which provides foundational knowledge on orbital mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian physics principles
  • Familiarity with basic orbital mechanics
  • Experience in game development, particularly in RTS genre
  • Knowledge of physics simulation in game engines
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced orbital mechanics using "Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students" by Howard D. Curtis
  • Explore physics simulation techniques in Unity or Unreal Engine
  • Learn about spacecraft trajectory calculations and tools like GMAT (General Mission Analysis Tool)
  • Investigate online courses on Coursera or edX related to space dynamics and simulation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for game developers, particularly those working on space-themed projects, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in implementing realistic orbital mechanics in video games.

Speedo
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Not sure this is the right section for this question, but it seems the closest so...

I'm part of a small team that's working on designing a scifi space-based realtime strategy (RTS) game. One of the things that we'd like to incorporate into the game is relatively realistic Newtonian physics. The basic gravitation and so on isn't a big deal - I remember most of that from physics and still have the textbooks to fill in where there are gaps. What I'm looking for is resources on actually maneuvering spacecraft ; things like calculating moves between different orbits, from one planet to another or so on.

Can anyone point me to some online resources or maybe recommend some books on the subject?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Undergrad Seeking "simple" orbital path planning for game development
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad I need some support, please, for a gravity assist analysis
  • · Replies 86 ·
3
Replies
86
Views
9K
Graduate Understanding Orbital Mechanics & Elliptical Paths
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
High School Where Can I Find Accurate Planetary Event Data for an Astronomy Course?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Graduate Orbital mechanics: is ballistic capture possible without acceleration?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Where Can I Find Free Resources for the Wiesen Mechanical Aptitude Test?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Graduate How Do You Calculate the Correct Launch Window for an Inclined Orbit Around Io?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Statistical physics in 2D world: How to simulate gas and its interaction with objects? (game design)
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Visuals confuse me, but I'm good at math - help with mechanics resources?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Can I accurately plot the orbits of our solar system's planets using equations?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K