This is just one of the many close-ups of actual satellites in NASA’s free browser simulation.
Outer space, endless expanses. What Star Trek recognized decades ago is just as true today: space is vast, beautiful, and a little spooky. In our solar system alone there is so much that we do not yet know. However, you can find out a large part of what we know so far in NASA’s new browser simulation.
If such a simulation is not enough for you Spiel
then take a look at the space game history in pictures!
Space Game History in Pictures – Watch from Star Raider to Darkstar One
What is behind the browser simulation?
The American Air and Space Agency, better known by its acronym NASA, has on its website a slick, amazingly detailed simulation made available to all internet users – completely free of charge and without you having to download anything.
We have listed the features behind it for you here:
- Real Time Movement: You can view the locations of planets, asteroids, comets and satellites live. Do you want to know where Venus will be in two days? No problem! You can enter any day at the bottom of the screen and all the bodies will change positions to the right place.
You can also use the slider at the bottom of the screen to see the movements of the planets and everything else in the solar system in time lapse. - All missiles of the solar system: On the right you can under
Toggle Layers
Filter different bodies in and out of view. So you can marvel at every asteroid, comet, dwarf planet and satellite in addition to the planets. You can also turn their flight path on and off, as well as many other exciting settings.
The solar system is incredibly detailed. So that you don’t lose the overview here, only the planets are activated on this picture.
- The planets: You can click on each of the planets, look at the surface and read all sorts of information on the left side of the screen. You can see the missions that revolved around the planet and you can also find out about them.
But you can also see the other missiles up close. The satellites in particular are beautifully displayed, of course with additional information on the left side of the screen. - The four Focus Themes: If you are in the overview of the solar system, you will find four exciting subject areas on the left that have been particularly scrutinized. Among them are the Voyager mission, which is still ongoing today.
- The animations: On some topics you can also watch how, for example, the Mars rovers get to the planet. You can fast-forward and rewind the image below, while there’s also plenty of information on the left-hand side.
The strategy game Mars Horizon also teaches you the past and current missions in space with many details:
Mars Horizon im Test
It doesn’t have to be the Kerbal Space Program
The browser simulation is packed with knowledge, so die-hard space fans can surely spend hours on the site.
What do you think of the simulation? Can you get something out of the NASA website or is it a bit too dry despite the fancy animations? Write it to us in the comments!
