When Fantasy meets Reality.
Why do I use Orbiter?
Well, because it is the greatest space dynamics simulator program.
I use the 2006 P1 version, with series of add ons, most I have adjusted myself for realism purposes (the set up is displayed on my Profile here).
I have always been totally fascinated by space, piloting, and navigation.
When the Commodore VIC-20 appeared, I wrote a simulator program for that (in Basic). But I quickly realized I was much too in advanced. I had to wait until computers would have huge memories!
Years later, I finally found what I needed: Microsoft Flight Simulator (1998), Jane's F-15 simulator, and then Orbiter in 2006.
Since then, I must say I live in space, literally.
I have time (retired), and I'm alone (single), so I can do that.
I have 2 computers;
- One PC is set up with/for the simulators (MicrosoftFS1998, JaneF-15, Orbiter2006P1, with the Microsoft SideWinder retro-action joystick) with each their set up I have organized. Most of the time it is running Orbiter (full time). Except when I am on the Earth flying aircrafts in one or the other simulators (after the 3 mandatory T.Off/Lndings).
- The other PC is just normal with internet link. So, I can get data and verify/learn about things while in space.
I am fervent of realism though. I never use "time acceleration" nor "on-spot positionning" (except for already-made space-stations, once I did reach position). That would be cheating, and "real-life" does not allow that. When I run into problems, I work to solve them. So, it took me a long time for writing the DeltaGlider Standard De-orbiting Procedure!
Like, I did overshoot an orbit... ONCE! It was hell, my brain became a "computer" right there analysing everything in mili-seconds! By unbelievable chance, the satellite (its moon) was there a little bit to the left and at reachable distance (for the deceleration phase I was already in). I made it orbiting that satellite, in sweats. But I did learn my lesson pretty well (I had been busy a minute too long on the other PC and missed a retro-burn sequence). And then I did write a procedure for that (for when Overshooting an orbit). However, it never happened again! As far as piloting/navigation, Procedures are mandatory.
What am I doing living in space?
Exploration and data gathering and mapping, performing and writing procedures for new sectors, setting up resources facilities or settlements on relevant planets, setting up space-stations and Comm relay satellites in strategic regions, transporting supplies or raw materials, maintenance in orbit, transporting passengers between vessels in orbit or/and from ground to orbit...
And sometimes I just gaze at the space around me, taking time for thinking and meditating.
Orbiter is awesome, for me it did bring fantasy into reality.
---------- Post added at 09:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 AM ----------
P.S.: to Addon Dev who did not already, I suggest read this post:
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