OrbiterWiki

Orbiter is an advanced space flight simulator developed by Dr. Martin Schweiger, launched on November 27, 2000. Designed to accurately mimic space travel using realistic Newtonian physics, Orbiter allows users to explore the Solar System through an array of both real and fictional spacecraft, such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Delta-Glider. With features that cater to all skill levels, the simulator supports various flight types, including orbital maneuvers, sub-orbital flights, and docking procedures.

The latest version, Orbiter 2016, introduced enhanced graphical capabilities, including terrain elevation modeling for Earth, Mars, and the Moon. Users can customize their experience with numerous add-ons that expand the universe, providing options for new planets and additional vessels. The software operates on Windows Vista and later versions, and since 2021, it has been available under an open-source MIT license, encouraging a vibrant community of developers to create new content. Orbiter serves as both a powerful educational tool and a thrilling experience for space enthusiasts.