Orbiter

Orbiter is a highly recommended free and realistic space flight simulation program that falls under the Education category, specifically the Science Tools subcategory. The latest version, 2010.0, is developed by Martin Schweiger and features program file names such as orbiter.exe, orbiter_ng.exe, and ucadview.exe. The program file size is 129.1 MB, making it a relatively compact simulation tool compared to others within its category.

Orbiter promises an authentic space flight experience by adhering to the laws of physics, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of space travel. The simulator offers realism that surpasses most space games, providing an idea of what space flight truly feels like—both in the present day and in the near future. The freeware license allows users to download the program without any cost, adding to its accessibility and appeal.

The program supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, ensuring broad compatibility across various platforms. If you are running older versions of Windows, such as Windows 95, you may need to consider other versions like 1.1 or 1.0. However, the 2010.0 version is the most updated and recommended for the best functionality and experience.

The fact that Orbiter has achieved 220,838 downloads since its addition to the catalog in 2011 reflects its popularity and reliability. The program is particularly favored in regions like India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Additionally, the smaller storage footprint and immersive, realistic simulation make it a standout option for science enthusiasts and educators alike.

Pros:

• High realism adhering to laws of physics.
• Free to download and use.
• Wide support across various Windows operating systems.
• Compact file size for a simulation program.

Cons:

• Limited to Windows OS.
• May require a steep learning curve for beginners.

Orbiter remains an invaluable educational tool that brings the wonders of space flight closer to home, without any cost to the user.

You may want to check out more software, such as Orbit Xplorer, Orbital Viewer or EpheLight - Orbital Elements Calculator, which might be similar to Orbiter.