All sorts of software related to space are available
for downloading or purchase over the web.
These include programs for such areas as astronomy,
satellite tracking, simulators, rocketry, etc. Note
that off line here refers to standalone applications,
outside of browsers. The programs may still use the
internet.
More and more such programs, however, obtain updates
and data off the Internet so they are also, in
a sense, on line as well.
General
Space Software
HobbySpace related
sections:
Multiple
Media
This page provides lists of various space related
software such as Mars simulators, CD-Roms, etc
Stellarium
- "renders realistic skies in real time with
openGL. It is available for Linux/Unix, Windows and
MacOSX. With Stellarium, you really see what you can
see with your eyes, binoculars or a small telescope.
Stellarium is also used in planetariums."
"...written by a professional and an avid amateur
astronomer, is a complete introduction to contemporary
astronomy and a guide to the best software, web sites,
and other computer resources for astronomers. Whether
you have only a passing interest in astronomy or you
spend every evening on a mountain top, you'll find
something exciting in The Astronomer's Computer Companion.
"
Earth
Views/Maps
Imaging and mapping software for the earth.
Google
Earth
Zoom in on most any spot on earth. This is a much
more powerful, standalone version of the online maps.google.com
for the web browser.
3D
Landsat Satellite Imaging
Software and Info for viewing landsat imagery. "Secrets
for Obtaining and Enhancing Free Satellite Pictures
with Your Computer"
".. not a collection of maps. Instead, it
is a virtual globe. You fly around a colorful
three dimensional model of the Earth, whose position
and sunlit side are correctly depicted for the
time and date. On Top Of The World combines the
fun of a flight simulator with learning about
our world. It's the closest that most of us can
come to flying in outer space. It's educational
and fun. On Top Of The World is not just for kids.
Adults will find it useful in getting a global
perspective."
Planet3D / Mars3D
Using the Mars Global Surveyor data, the Mars 3D
program creates high resolution global maps of the
Mars surface. False color coding reveals details
not easily seen in usual maps. The globe can be
rotated via mouse control.
The program is free and available for download
to Windows machines. It "...renders the whole
surface of Mars using data collected by NASA's MGS
satellite. The data consists of 1.28 Million height
points giving a maximum horizontal spatial resolution
of 13Km. The vertical accuracy is to within 5m."
Stig's
SkyCalendar
Stig Ottosen's offline version of his online Java astronomy
events program.
SWARM
- Solar Warning And Realtime Monitor
Be ready for the next solar storm. This program retrieves
satellite and other types of data off the web and presents
it in a sophisticated manner to help monitor the space
weather and to help predict solar storms effects on earth.
Tracking
The Eye - Hurricane Tracking Software
This shareware program from GenCode
Technologies allows you to track hurricanes in real
time using data and satellite imagery downloaded from
weather databases on the web. Lots of options, graphics
and animation features.
It runs in standalone mode, i.e. outside of a browser,
so was included here in the Offline Software section,
but needs at least a part-time link to the Internet
to work.
"Create photo-realistic-looking images of deep
space with Universe. Add star fields, suns, nebulas,
gas clouds, and global clusters over the background
color of your choice.."
Learnorb.exe
(Windows 95 OSR/2, Windows 98, Windows NT)(51K) -
"an instructional program designed to step the
user through the process of learning how we describe
an orbit in 3-dimensional space. Very interactive
and graphical in nature." At Understanding
Space.
Image Handling:
A
Brief Introduction to FITS - Flexible Image
Transport System - intended for distribution of
astronomy related imagery.
Celestial
Explorer: Mars with 3D view - "powerful
GIS mapping software features the latest NASA
high-definition digital maps combined with
the most up-to-date geology data. Extraordinary
real-time and customizable 3D visualizations
place you on the surface of the planet
Bester
Tracking Systems
Bester offers Unix software for Satellite Orbit Analysis and Tracking, Global
Positioning System, and Astrodynamics Applications.
CyberSky
Stephen M. Schimpf offers this shareware planetarium program for Win 3.1/95.Features
Distant Suns Mike Smithwicks astronomy package is for
".. casual skywatchers to seasoned amateur astronomers ... Distant
Suns is compatible with Windows 95,98, ME, NT and 2000, and Macintosh.
With Distant Suns you may view the sky at the time of your birth, watch
the sun set behind Saturn, land on Mars and follow newly discovered
comets."
Other features include : Different astronomical stories and tutorials
for each night of the year. Create your own "space movies". Print out
star charts. In depth information of each star and planet. Over 16 million
stars.-Event Alert system will warn you of any upcoming eclipses and meteor
showers.
FlyOver
FlyOver by Tom Sylvestor predicts satellite flyovers for virtually any place
on earth. It has scaleable map graphics and custom printouts. Downloading
current data and current tracking is free, but observer location selection
requires a registration fee.
InstantTrack
1.5 This powerful tracking program is offered by Amsat and proceeds
from its purchase goes toward supporting Amsat projects.
LogSat
Professional
Satellite tracking software for Windows. Track up to 2000 satellites.
MacMission
Control Center MacMission sells the MacSPOC
spacecraft tracking software for Apple Macintosh 68k and Power PC machines.
Documentation and demos are available for downloading.
LunarPhase V2.62
(Shareware) - "Displays real time information and graphics about
the moon (or for a selected date). Contains many charts and diagrams,
predicts eclipses, produces a range of printouts."
LunarPhase
Pro (Commercial) - "More comprehensive that LunarPhase V2.62;
includes a Lunar Explorer screen which allows the identification of
lunar features from dropdown lists or by clicking on a map of the moon;
maps of near and far side features as well as polar regions included;
Orthographic and Mercator maps can be viewed and printed; calculates,
displays and and animate libration effects; includes database of lunar
features."
JupSat95-
"Displays the positions of Jupiter's satellites in real time (or
for a selected date). Also calculates Great Red Spot Transit times and
displays satellite track diagrams. Full details can be found at: This
application is freeware." - Gary Nugent
OrbMaster
2.0
OrbMaster 2.0 is a powerful orbital tracking program for Windows systems
from Super Secret Projects:.
"..shows you the universe, our solar system, the Earth, and man-made
satellites of all kinds. This new application allows the layman to understand
spatial interactions, astronautical, astrodynamics, celestial events,
orbital mechanics, and more."
PREDICT
- A Satellite Tracking/Orbital Prediction Program
This program is "an open-source, multi-user satellite tracking and
orbital prediction program written under the Linux operating system by
John A. Magliacane, KD2BD. PREDICT is free software. Users may redistribute
it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License
as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 2 of the
License or any later version."
Available for Linux/Unix and for DOS under Windows.
Satscape
Freeware satellite tracking programfor the PC. Developed by Scott Hather
in the UK.
The program
"...currently track 500 satellites simultaneously, with Various
graphically-rich Map Views with ground tracks and footprints, Horizon
view, tabular list and more. Its highly graphical, and has speech to
announce satellites as they come into range. "
In addition:
"Passes over your part of the world can be predicted weeks in
advance in a matter of seconds. You don't have to use or have access
to the satellites, as it will even predict when the 150 'Brightest'
satellites pass over, so you can SEE them."
SaVi
Satellite constellation visualisation program from Univ.of Minnesota
Hughes Aerospace, for example, used it recently to plan the maneuvers
of a communications satellite, which was placed in a useless orbit by
a fualty launcher, to use lunar swingbys to put it into a viable orbit.
Not so long ago this program cost several thousand dollars. Surprisingly,
though, it has been made available now as freeware. The company says it
will make money by selling sophisticated add-ons for particular applications.
Sienna
Software Inc. - Starry Night
Full featured astronomy program with over 19 million celestial objects.
Includes satellite tracking and addition of new satellites. Can control
telescopes. FAQManual
SkyMap
Software
A planetarium and star-charting program for Microsoft Windows 95/98 and
Windows NT4. "Written by astronomers, for astronomers." InfoDemo
David H. Ransom
O offers the STSPLUS program for DOS to track the shuttles and also satellites
using NASA/NORAD 2-Line Orbital Elements. Shows position and ground track.
WinOrbit
This freeware program offers "..satellite orbit prediction, tracking,
and radio communication, with emphasis on low-cost and educational approaches
for the do-it-yourselfer or hobbyist."
More
Astronomy/Satellite Programs & Stores
AIPS++ - Astronomical
Information Processing System - C++ library of programs to analyze astronomy
data.
MacDopplerPRO
- satellite tracking on the Applet Mac
MAXCLOCK
- A high-precision digital astronomical software clock
Orbiter
- A free space flight simulator - "ORBITER is a realistic space
simulation using proper physics for the modelling of planetary motion,
gravitational fields, ..."
Orbitron is "a
satellite tracking system for radio amateur and observing purposes."
Created by Sebastian Stoff.
John Walker's
Earth Viewer John Walker, the inventor of AutoCad,
now writes wonderful freeware such as this program that provides satellite
orbital prediction as well as other astronomical displays.
