In an impressive display of self-taught engineering, a 17-year-old developer has unveiled a highly realistic Rocket Launch and Orbit Simulator on GitHub. Originally intended as a simple educational tool, the project has evolved into a technically accurate physics sandbox that challenges professional-grade software.
Key Technical Features
The simulator boasts complex physics implementations rarely seen in indie projects, including variable gravity and variable atmospheric drag based on the US Standard Atmosphere model from 1976. It supports multi-stage rocket configurations and features a sophisticated closed-loop guidance system with pitch programs capable of automatically targeting orbits between 350km and 600km.
The developer is currently seeking feedback from the community to bridge the gap between self-taught coding and formal orbital mechanics. With orbital prediction and orbit-changing thrust mechanics already in place, this project highlights the power of accessible coding tools in democratizing aerospace engineering.
GitHub Repository: Rocket-Launch-Simulation
Leave a Reply