A 17-year-old developer has captivated the Show HN community with a highly detailed rocket launch and orbit simulator. Originally conceived as an educational tool, the project has evolved into a realistic physics engine that tackles complex orbital mechanics without the creator having taken formal coursework on the subject.
The simulator is impressive in scope, featuring variable gravity and variable atmospheric drag based on the 1976 US Standard Atmosphere model. It goes beyond simple arcade mechanics by implementing multi-stage rocket configurations and closed-loop guidance systems. The pitch programs are sophisticated enough to successfully place payloads into target orbits ranging between 350km and 600km.
Users can simulate orbital prediction and perform thrusting maneuvers to modify their orbit’s shape. The codebase is currently available on GitHub for those interested in exploring the physics or contributing to the project.
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