This outstanding simulation is free to download and runs on Windows PCs. It uses real astronomical data to recreate the universe, from planet Earth to distant galaxies. In patches where data is lacking, the program generates star systems and planets procedurally.Where Space Engine really shines is its transition at scale. Seamlessly fly from the craggy surface of an alien moon to the reaches of deep space. The option to move with inertia makes it feel like you're in a ship. Exploration is both satisfying and awe-inspiring. Orbiter is focused on the mechanics of space flight, rather than re-creating the entire universe.
Launch NASA spacecraft or build your own and simulate what it's like to leave Earth's atmosphere and travel to the distant reaches of the solar system.You can dock with space stations, deploy satellites and land on any planetary surface. The physics and timescale are purportedly accurate, and you can compress time if you don't have six years to spend on a trip to Saturn.Like Space Engine, this is a non-commercial project, and thus free to download and run on Windows PCs. More of a digital planetarium than a full-fledged space simulation, this one keeps to our celestial neighborhood and serves up a lot of granular and educational details.It uses the Unreal game engine to generate an astronomically precise rendering. The model can recreate the movement of the solar system at any point in time, past or present. Slice open a planet to see a cross-section of its core (or a theorized representation for those on which astronomers have no data). 'Country mode' gives you info and borders of every country on Earth, and 88 constellations are represented by the artwork of 17th century astronomer Johannes Hevelius.An intuitive interface and beautiful design make this a great educational tool for six bucks.
Top Simulation Games (7,018 results) Virtual stressball physics sandbox about mutilating ragdolls in various ways using an overwhelming amount of items. Take command of your first colony as an orc prince. Dig, Build and expand your colony deeper underground. You awake to find yourself in what appears to be an endless purgatory. Just farm bitcoins.
![Simulation Simulation](http://media.moddb.com/images/games/1/54/53900/Space-Simulator-Steam-ISS.1.jpg)
This one simulates a fictional universe, but it's widely hailed as a great educational game about astrophysics.Construct viable spacecraft that can overcome the effects of gravity and fuel consumption to get your little Kerbals into orbit. It's not.The position, size and quantity of components you add to your ship will determine whether it reaches the stratosphere or explodes on the scaffold. Timed rocket booster sequences and jettisoning depleted fuel cells are critical to success. Oh, and you'll need to install a parachute to the capsule if you want your Kerbals to survive re-entry.The game is still in the works, but improving and expanding all the time. Buy the in-dev version for $18, or try the older demo for free. Why should have all the fun? If you're tired of standing by while Curiosity rolls around up there, it's time to head out on the open exosphere and explore the universe for yourself — digitally, of course.SEE ALSO:A handful of excellent space simulators use real astronomical data to re-create the known universe in three dimensions.
Fly through the galaxy at ludicrous speeds, map out humanity's best hope for extrasolar colonization, or mess with physics to create your own cosmic recipes.Some of these simulations stick to our own solar system, while others push the boundaries of our cosmological projections, procedurally generating star systems far beyond our galactic neighborhood. In layman's terms: They're friggin' sweet.If you take any of these for a spin, let us know in the comments where you traveled.Topics:,.