Orbiter 2006 Released!

May 4, 2006: New Release: ORBITER 2006 Edition

Improved planetary surface rendering Planets can now be rendered at twice the resolution of the previous version. In low orbits and close to the surface, this provides a significant improvement in visual appearance. Other new features include "specular ripples" on ocean surfaces, and better coastline transitions.

Flight recorder and playback function Simulations can now be recorded and replayed. Together with the option of annotating recorded flights, this opens a new dimension for demonstrations and tutorials. Several annotated tutorial recordings are included.

Scenario editor A new editor module allows to create, edit and delete spacecraft in a running simulation. Creating scenarios is now much easier.

Visual helpersForce vectors and coordinate axes for vessels can now be shown directly in the simulation window.

External MFDs Multifunctional displays can now be opened in separate windows. They provide more information, and are also available in external views.

Mouse-active Glass Cockpit The generic "glass cockpit" view now includes buttons for MFDs and most common operations, so even ships which lack custom instrument panels can be operated without memorizing many key commands.

Enhanced lighting effects Spacecraft can now enter a planet's shadow. Support for light beacons has been added to help find them in the dark.

Improved physics Gravity-gradient torque effects are now implemented. Vessels in low orbit will now experience torques as a result of their mass distribution. Orbiter's model of angular motion has also been extensively overhauled.

A more detailed list of new features can be found in the Change Log.
Key features

* Realistic physics. Planetary motion, gravitation effects, free space and atmospheric flight are accurately modelled.
* You can land your ship at a space port on a planet surface, or dock to an orbital station.
* High resolution planetary maps provide some nice visual effects.
* Configurable environment. Users can add planets, space ships and space stations to the existing universe, or design a completely new solar system from scratch. The Orbiter Software Development Kit contains libraries and sample C++ code for addon developers who want to write plugins.