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.
Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
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Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#42After I clicked on this link I played the demo for over 4 hours on Linux. Such a fun simulator.
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#43Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is also mighty practical for interplanetary missions. Specially the ones that require landing and return trips. You can't realistically get the entire contraption + all the required fuel and engines up into orbit in one go. It is just too heavy. It is considerably more practical to send the mission up into orbit in smaller chunks, then reassemble it and optionally refuel at an orbital station, before you begin the…
I'd like to second the "practicality" angle; I couldn't muster enough fuel and thrust to get a 2-module space station (two Hitchhiker modules) into orbit without the rockets blowing apart from instability. But the single-module guy is cruising along just fine right now. Rocket science: Apparently it's hard. Who knew?
This warrants the obligatory XKCD quote[1]: "Space is hard"
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#44Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd like to second the "practicality" angle; I couldn't muster enough fuel and thrust to get a 2-module space station (two Hitchhiker modules) into orbit without the rockets blowing apart from instability. But the single-module guy is cruising along just fine right now. Rocket science: Apparently it's hard. Who knew?
This warrants the obligatory XKCD quote[1]: "Space is hard" [1]: http://what-if.xkcd.com/38/
no such quote on linked page
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#45Earlier quoted context omitted.
I'd like to second the "practicality" angle; I couldn't muster enough fuel and thrust to get a 2-module space station (two Hitchhiker modules) into orbit without the rockets blowing apart from instability. But the single-module guy is cruising along just fine right now. Rocket science: Apparently it's hard. Who knew?
This warrants the obligatory XKCD quote[1]: "Space is hard" [1]: http://what-if.xkcd.com/38/
daurnimator: It is on the last image.
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#46I strongly recommend Robbaz' Viking Space Program (http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD1262982675D497A) for those looking to see what the game's about - particularly seeing as the game is not just about building the best rocket ever, it's about resolving to build something ridiculous and having fun failing to do so.
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#47Can anyone explain as to what this game provides over the well-developed Orbiter ( http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/ ) aside from the build-your-own-space-launch-system angle?
The build-your-own-space-launch-system isn't a small difference, and I'd argue it's where much of the educational aspect of KSP comes from. It teaches you how to design a spacecraft and forces you to work out exactly what you need to get a spacecraft into orbit and then to another planet. That's something distinctly different from Orbiter which focuses on the 'how to fly a spacecraft' aspect.
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#48I 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…
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/ (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.
Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#49Re: Kerbal Space Program - space flight simulator game
#50Am i the only one who read this as Kernel Space program ?
Notch's 0x10c would fit that name.