3 ms·

I don't see it mentioned in the comments but those interested in realistic space flight simulation should check Orbiter [1]. Orbiter tries to be as physically a

by elteto 14y ago

I don't see it mentioned in the comments but those interested in realistic space flight simulation should check Orbiter [1]. Orbiter tries to be as physically accurate as possible by using accurate drag models, elliptical gravity (no circular orbits) and many other interesting features. It has a large community behind it and is scriptable with Lua. I have only played with it for a couple of days and I am impressed by it. It is definitely not a game per se, but lots of fun can be had with it. Oh and is freeware, so no need to pay for it. [1] http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/ http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/

Fizzer 14y ago
I highly recommend Orbiter for anyone interested in spaceflight. I found Kerbal to be a good stepping-stone to Orbiter. Kerbal is more instant-gratification, but it lacks the realism that I've come to love from Orbiter. I've learned a ton about spaceflight from playing Orbiter. It makes watching real launches much more interesting, since you will actually know what's going on. Start out with the built-in Delta Glider. Once you're comfortable with that, download the XR2 Ravenstar from http://www.alteaaerospace.com/ http://www.alteaaerospace.com/ (free). It's a much more advanced craft with more bells and whistles to play with, but it's also a bit more challenging to fly.
mikeash 14y ago
Can you explain what "elliptical gravity" is in this context, and why it means no circular orbits?
- elteto 14y ago
  I am by no means an expert, but can try to explain it. Circular orbits are a simplification used when there is no need for high accuracy, the math is much more simpler. The problem is that celestial bodies in the real world do not follow circular orbits, they move in orbits with an elliptical shape (not always!), following Kepler's Laws. If you want to predict the position of a planet into the future, this is the model you have to use. You should check the following links, if you are interested in the topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keplers_laws_of_planetary_motion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keplers_laws_of_planetary_motio... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons_law_of_universal_gravitation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons_law_of_universal_gravit... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics
  - mikeash 14y ago
    I thought it might be that, except Kerbal certainly does elliptical orbits, and you'd actually have to work rather hard not to, because a basic integrator hooked up to the 1/r^2 law of gravitational attraction gives you elliptical orbits for free.

by elteto 14y ago

Fizzer 14y ago

I highly recommend Orbiter for anyone interested in spaceflight. I found Kerbal to be a good stepping-stone to Orbiter. Kerbal is more instant-gratification, but it lacks the realism that I've come to love from Orbiter. I've learned a ton about spaceflight from playing Orbiter. It makes watching real launches much more interesting, since you will actually know what's going on. Start out with the built-in Delta Glider. Once you're comfortable with that, download the XR2 Ravenstar from http://www.alteaaerospace.com/ http://www.alteaaerospace.com/ (free). It's a much more advanced craft with more bells and whistles to play with, but it's also a bit more challenging to fly.

mikeash 14y ago

Can you explain what "elliptical gravity" is in this context, and why it means no circular orbits?

elteto 14y ago
I am by no means an expert, but can try to explain it. Circular orbits are a simplification used when there is no need for high accuracy, the math is much more simpler. The problem is that celestial bodies in the real world do not follow circular orbits, they move in orbits with an elliptical shape (not always!), following Kepler's Laws. If you want to predict the position of a planet into the future, this is the model you have to use. You should check the following links, if you are interested in the topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keplers_laws_of_planetary_motion http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keplers_laws_of_planetary_motio... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons_law_of_universal_gravitation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newtons_law_of_universal_gravit... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_mechanics
- mikeash 14y ago
  I thought it might be that, except Kerbal certainly does elliptical orbits, and you'd actually have to work rather hard not to, because a basic integrator hooked up to the 1/r^2 law of gravitational attraction gives you elliptical orbits for free.