Satscape News

A matter of time UPDATE

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:50:34 -0000

Looks like the whole time problem still didnt work 100%, but I think Ive got it this time, please update (should auto update) to version 08.04.04 Beta. Also changed something that may help you folks who cant run the 3D or 2D view, so give it another try now with this new version. Apologies to everyone who has been affected by the whole daylight saving time mess up.

Arthur C Clarke Dies at age 90

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:50:34 -0000

Science-fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke, who co-wrote the epic film 2001: A Space Odyssey and raised the idea of communications satellites in the 1940s, has died at age 90

Problem with the 2D 3D Views?

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 10:50:34 -0000

It seems alot of people are running these just fine, but there are still several of you out there who cannot run these almost vital parts of the software, so Id like to figure this out to see why, so if you are having problems with either of the views, please take the survey, the link is with this news item, and you can also find the link on the web site and message board, so help me out here so I can make Satscape work even better for everyone.

Satscape for Java is Beta! (Video Podcast 3)

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 12:11:54 -0000

Satscape for Java is now at the BETA test stage of development. This means all the main parts of the program are in place, but theres still several things that need adding, and probably several bugs to fix. My own testing has shown that it seems to work well in both Windows and Linux, and I've heard it works well on an apple Mac too, if you can get hold of Java 6 for Mac. Ive also put a new feature on the web site called 'bug tracker' where you can view and add bug reports, see what bugs or features I'm currently working on, and be kept up to date on a particular bug or feature, so check it out, you'll find the link on the top-left of most of the pages.

Satscape on Linux (Video Podcast 2)

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:11:54 -0000

If you view this news feed on the web or with an RSS reader, there is a video attachment (podcast). The video shows off Satscape for java running under the brand-new Ubuntu Linux 7.10, a free alternative operating system, which seriously competes with Windows Vista. Making the switch from Windows to Linux is the reason why Im Writing Satscape for java, as Java programs will run on all the different operating systems, not just Windows. I switched over to linux about a year ago, and this video shows you what Linux looks like, and shows off Satscape running on it, doing things that you cant do under windows!

Orbiter, Space flight simulator (Video Podcast 1)

Sat, 09 Sep 2006 12:11:54 -0000

Not sure if I've mentioned this free program before, its called 'Orbiter' its a space flight simulator, not a game, a serious program. It really does help if you ARE a rocket scientist. But if like me you are not, theres plenty of documentation and tutorials. Basically this program lets you fly any spacecraft around the solar system and beyond. The default is a near-future delta-flyer, you'll need to practice in that first before moving up to real spacecraft such as the space shuttle. As well as visiting and landing on planets and moons, you can dock with the space station, drop a satellite in orbit, pick up a satellite and bring it back down to earth. Some people like to re-enact missions such as moon landings, or even fictious missions like going to the moon wheel in 2001 and docking. Getting about the solar system uses real physics, not "star wars" physics, you use on-board computers to plot your trajectory to a planet and when to do a burn. Its a steep learning curve, but well worth it. The program is freeware, theres tons of add-ons space craft etc, and a growing community of amateurs involved. You can go to http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/ to download it. Also, I've attached a video podcast enclosure to this feed, just click the enclosure link to view this video, its me demonstrating what you can do with this wonderful program.