Orbital Physics Simulator

Orbital Physics Simulator is a solar-system orbital mechanics sandbox based on Newtonian physics and Einstein’s theories of relativity. You begin in an established Earth orbit, with launch sequences and atmospheric escape outside the simulation’s scope, and focus on maneuvering, calculating trajectories and navigating your craft.

Orbital navigation

Interplanetary travel depends on directional thrust, and you must rotate your craft and make manual burns rather than rely on autopilot. To change course between planets, time each burn around relative orbital velocities and gravitational influences. Reaching destinations such as Mars or Jupiter requires precise rotation and insertion burns; gravity assists can also shape your route, with your thrust angle determining the resulting path.

Relativistic effects

At near-light speed, the simulation calculates time dilation, length contraction and relativistic aberration based on your velocity. Synchronized readouts compare your onboard ship clock with external coordinate time, showing how seconds aboard your craft can correspond to months or years in the solar system. The universe compresses along your direction of travel, while light aberration shifts and bunches your field of view forward.