Astronomy: Software: Space Simulation

[Win 9x/Me/NT/2000 shareware] Mixes sky simulator and astronomical encyclopedia with speaking guide. Simulates most aspects of the space-watching experience. Other free astronomy software included.

[commercial, demo available - Win95/98/NT] A solar system simulator and planetarium, with planetary encyclopaedia.

[open source - Win95/98/NT/2000 or Unix/Linux & OpenGL] Newest NASA data creates a fast 3D display of our home solar system, 25000 stars, galaxy, planets, moons, asteroids and even controllable spacecraft.

[online Java applet] This 3-d solar system applet can be rotated and zoomed with the mouse. Below it are links to other online gravity simulators and resources for building solar system simulations.

[commercial - Win95/98/NT, Macintosh] A planetarium and solar-system simulator; lets you view the universe from anywhere in our planetary neighbourhood in the past, present, and future.

[freeware - DOS] Interactive 3D virtual reality Solar System which allows users to "fly" to and around nearby stars in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Free simulation software which models the interaction between bodies in space according to Newtonian physics.

Accurate wireframe simulator for the Voyager and Giotto space missions, with animation capability. Developed at JPL for science/navigation, and filmed by the BBC/NOVA. Conveniently runs from any Windows/DOS. Freeware.

A Java applet that shows an interactive 3D representation of the planets and satellites of the solar system.

SpaceWander's award-winning multimedia tour of the Universe features real space pictures from NASA

Space simulators reviews and tutorials to program a 3d engine for a space sim.

[shareware - Win 98/ME/2K/XP] A 3D software planetarium. Photo realistic real-time 3D renderings of 2 million stars, galaxies, nebulae, and the Milky Way. Includes several educative tutorials.

[freeware - Win 98/ME/2000/XP] Three-dimensional models of the Milky Way neighborhood.

[freeware - Win 9x/NT/2k/XP] Simulates orbits of planets and other celestial bodies.

[commercial - Windows] Hands-on presentations and simulations about being an astronaut and commanding the space shuttle.