Orbiter Space Flight Simulator

[Katahu]

The new version is underway as indicated by the shots. New features and level 10 graphics.

http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/gallery.html

[flyboy 28]

Wheeeeee!!!!!!

[Gary R.]

I just downloaded orbiter and took the into flight this morning.  Well, I brazenly thought I could fly anything with an engine.  I had everything under control to about 100k or so and then when I switched on thruster control mode that's when things started getting crazy.  By the time I was far enough out to see nearly the entire planet in my view the delta glider was doing oscillations in a 3 axis' and it I was only able to stabilize one 1 or 2 at a time briefly.  It's harder than you think to keep controlled flight with no air pressure to work against control surfaces and thrusters only.  It takes a very careful and light touch and I haven't developed it yet but I will keep playing with this program, it's very intrigueing.  I wish it had sound.  I know things are silent in space but it would be nice to hear some engine or cockpit sounds.

[Katahu]

http://orbiter.dansteph.com/

This link provides you with the sounds that you need. One of the great features about this package is that the sound of the engines will gradually disappear as your ship leaves the planet's atmosphere. You get ambient noise and even the countdown for lift off.

[Gary R.]

Cool, way cool.  I shall indeed download those sounds.  I don't suppose anyone has gone into the far future with Orbiter.  I'm talking of course about add-ons like NCC-1701D or E, or the Gallactica (70's) or a Viper or the Millenium Falcon or an X-wing. In fact, would Orbiter even support theoretical physics that would allow lightspeed or warp travel??    

[Katahu]

There are plenty of addons for those. Just look at the "Related Sites" page of the orbitersim.com. I suggest visiting the "Orbiter Hanger Mods" link. That site has a constant list of available addons.

I advice that you check which version of OSFS the addon is made for before downloading it. That way, you can be sure it can work.

[Gary R.]

So, theoretically, Orbiter can support at least up to light speed?  Wow.  I wonder if the starlight doppler shift effect is modeled.  Supposedly at close to light speed any light you are moving toward takes on a blue shift and light you are traveling away from takes on a red shift.  You know, near light speed travel is possible with enough energy.  I read somewhere that if you turn a flashlight on in space free of any large gravity source and if the batteries could last long enough that the light it emits would have it moving at 90 something percent of light speed in a year.  Something to ponder, lol.

[Katahu]

Are you saying that my bike's headlight is a warp engine?

[Moach]

check out avsim for lots of orbiter addons.... they have a whole section dedicated to it

you can find practically anything there... from a very complex and realistic NASSP model to a very cool x-wing or USS enterprise, plus lots of MFDs and tools that will make your life a lot easier

Moach (typing with only one hand)