How to track the Space Shuttle using Satscape

16 July 2009

Made a small fix to the start up so that it makes sure it has a vital control file, previously, it only checked once, and if for some reason, it didn't get the file, it wouldn't try again, so the program didn't work :-(

7 June 2009

Now includes Firecracker support for Mac only (sorry windows users), plus a few minor bug fixes

6 April 2009

Finally nailed the half-hour timezone issue. Apologies to folks in Newfoundland, Adelaide, and other timezones. Please ensure your Satscape updates to 09.02.13 or higher to resolve this issue.

13 February 2009

Just released a new machinima movie, please check it out on youtube or the moviestorm site

4 February 2009

This is just to let everyone know I've combined this video podcast with News about all my stuff

22 January 2009

A few minor bug fixes - Also,recently re-vamped the web site, so please check it out. It now contains all my creative work, not just Satscape, including my new program Xtenscape, a free home automation program, currently Apple mac only, but windows version coming very soon.

3 January 2009

This news item contains the Satscape Video podcast 4, you can watch it on the web site, or in iTunes or in any other podcast downloading program, the subscription link is on the website

3 May 2008

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.

1 December 2007

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!

18 October 2007

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.

9 September 2006