FREE Space Flight Simulator
Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:13 am
I don't know if anyone has seen or mentioned this before but there is a FREE, modable space flight simulator which is visually brilliant and well worth trying to master. It's called Orbiter. Some info:
Some of the many addons available (all free) are from various space or sci fi genres. For instance as well as a Millenuim Falcon and Tie interceptor there's also items from Star Trek and more, there really isn't any limit as you are able to make new models as there is a 3DS to MSH convertor. Unfortunately I don't think this convertor works for SWBF. More addons include genuine moon lander sounds, high def imagery of planets etc...
It's difficult to start with but is visually really good and with some developement and modding who knows the possibilities. I can't think of a sim similar to MS Flight sim that also includes space. Again, it's free (and legal) I reckon it's well worth a look.
ORBITER is a free flight simulator that goes beyond the confines of Earth's atmosphere. Launch the Space Shuttle from Kennedy Space Center to deploy a satellite, rendezvous with the International Space Station or take the futuristic Delta-glider for a tour through the solar system - the choice is yours.
But make no mistake - ORBITER is not a space shooter. The emphasis is firmly on realism, and the learning curve can be steep.
Some of the many addons available (all free) are from various space or sci fi genres. For instance as well as a Millenuim Falcon and Tie interceptor there's also items from Star Trek and more, there really isn't any limit as you are able to make new models as there is a 3DS to MSH convertor. Unfortunately I don't think this convertor works for SWBF. More addons include genuine moon lander sounds, high def imagery of planets etc...
It's difficult to start with but is visually really good and with some developement and modding who knows the possibilities. I can't think of a sim similar to MS Flight sim that also includes space. Again, it's free (and legal) I reckon it's well worth a look.
Virtual cockpits: Orbiter now supports 3-D virtual spacecraft cockpits. This takes Orbiter to a new level of immersion and enhances situational awareness by providing a rotating camera viewpoint. Instrument displays are fully functional, and buttons and switches can be operated with the mouse. The Orbiter distribution provides a reference cockpit implementation for the Delta-glider, but addon spacecraft can be upgraded using the virtual cockpit programming interface.
New visual effects: New atmospheric haze rendering make planets appear much more realistic from orbit. Looking towards the horizon in low Earth orbit shows the increasing effect of haze blurring of surface features. Spacecraft, buildings and even smoke trails now cast a shadow on the ground, providing more attractive visuals and a useful altitude cue.
More accurate astrodynamics: A lot of effort has gone into improving Orbiter's physical engine. Planetary ephemeris codes have been extensively redesigned. The sun is no longer fixed in the centre of the solar system, but rotates around the barycentre. Earth's moon uses a more accurate perturbation solution. Jupiter's four largest moons are now also controlled by a semi-analytic perturbation code, improving long-term stability. Perturbations of the gravitational field due to nonspherical planet shapes are now supported.
New delta-glider: One of Orbiter's favourite spacecraft has been completely redesigned. Apart from a new exterior mesh and virtual cockpit contributed by Roger Long, it has also undergone a functional upgrade, including a version with air-breathing scramjet engines.
Better orbital flight model: Orbiter now uses a new method of orbit stabilisation during time compression. It calculates the osculating orbital elements of the primary gravity source, and dynamically propagates only the perturbations of this 2-body model. This provides better stability of trajectories - invaluable for interplanetary trips.
New help system: A context-sensitive HTML-based help system provides information about a particular spacecraft, instrument or simulation scenario. This greatly enhances the ability to design tutorials and in-game reference material.
Markers and labels: A variety of configurable surface markers and celestial labels can now be displayed in Orbiter's "Planetarium" mode. They can be used to identify places of interest, landmarks, historical landing sites, guidance stars or other celestial objects.
