Altitude: 0 units

Speed: 0 units/s

Controls:

← / → : Rotate rocket

↑ : Apply thrust

R : Reset game

+ / - : Zoom in/out

1 / 2 / 3 : Set speed (1x/5x/100x)

HOLD UP ARROW to apply continuous thrust!

Watch your fuel! You have limited fuel.

Goal: Achieve a stable orbit (altitude > 3.0, speed between 0.5-0.9)

Challenge: Earth's gravity is strong - you'll need a good strategy to reach orbit!

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How to Play

This is a simplified rocket simulation inspired by Kerbal Space Program.

Basic Controls

• Left/Right Arrow: Rotate the rocket
• Up Arrow: Apply thrust (must HOLD for continuous thrust)
• R Key: Reset the game (useful after crashes)
• Mouse Wheel: Zoom in/out to adjust view
• +/- Keys: Alternative zoom controls
• 1/2/3 Keys: Set simulation speed (1x/5x/100x)

Simulation Speed

You can adjust how fast time passes in the simulation:

• 1 Key: Normal speed (1x) - best for precise maneuvering
• 2 Key: Fast speed (5x) - good for watching your orbit develop
• 3 Key: Very fast speed (100x) - useful for long orbits
• You can also click the speed buttons at the bottom of the screen
• Higher speeds make it harder to control the rocket precisely
• The simulation will automatically reset to 1x speed when you restart

Camera Controls

You can adjust your view of the planet and rocket:

• Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out
• Use the + key to zoom in closer to the planet
• Use the - key to zoom out and see more of space
• Zoom out to see your entire orbit path
• Zoom in for a closer look at your rocket and the planet

Orbit Information

When you achieve a stable orbit, the game will display:

• Orbit Time: The time it takes to complete one full orbit
• Apoapsis: The highest point in your orbit
• Periapsis: The lowest point in your orbit
• Higher orbits have longer orbit times (following Kepler's Laws)
• More circular orbits have apoapsis and periapsis values closer together
• Use faster simulation speeds to see your orbit complete more quickly

Fuel Management

Your rocket has a limited fuel supply. The fuel gauge at the top of the screen shows your remaining fuel.

• Fuel is consumed when you apply thrust (hold the up arrow)
• Once you run out of fuel, you can no longer apply thrust
• Plan your ascent carefully to reach orbit before running out of fuel
• If you run out of fuel before achieving orbit, you'll fall back to Earth

Getting to Orbit: Step by Step

1. Launch vertically: HOLD the up arrow for several seconds to start your ascent straight up.
2. Reach altitude: Continue until you reach about 3.0-4.0 units of altitude.
3. Gravity turn: Gradually tilt your rocket to the right (using right arrow) while maintaining thrust.
4. Build orbital velocity: Continue thrusting horizontally until your speed is between 0.5-0.9 units/s.
5. Stable orbit: When you achieve the right balance of altitude and speed, you'll be in a stable orbit!
6. Speed up time: Once in orbit, press 2 or 3 to speed up time and watch your orbit.

Physics Tips

• Strong Gravity: Earth's gravity is quite strong, especially near the surface.
• You'll need to maintain thrust longer to escape the planet's pull.
• The atmosphere extends to 3 units above the Earth's surface, causing drag that slows you down.
• If your speed is too high (>0.9), you'll escape Earth's gravity on an escape trajectory.
• If your speed is too low, you'll eventually fall back to Earth.
• Gravity decreases with distance (inverse square law), so it's easier to maintain orbit at higher altitudes.
• Fuel efficiency is crucial - don't waste fuel by thrusting in the wrong direction.
• Orbit time is calculated using Kepler's Third Law of planetary motion.

Troubleshooting

• Can't escape gravity: Make sure to thrust continuously straight up until you reach a good altitude.
• Rocket won't lift off: Make sure you're HOLDING the up arrow, not just tapping it.
• Rocket bouncing on surface: Hold thrust longer to build up enough speed to escape.
• Can't achieve orbit: Try going higher before turning, then build horizontal speed gradually.
• Out of fuel: You need to be more efficient with your fuel usage. Try a more optimal trajectory.
• Crashed: Press the R key or click the Reset button to start over.
• Game running too fast: Press 1 to return to normal speed (1x).