TL;DR
A browser-based rocket launch and orbit simulator is available at donutthejedi.com. The interface exposes live telemetry, manual controls (W/S keys), a guided launch option with target altitude, and an orbital spawn mode with preset altitudes.
What happened
A new web-hosted simulator presents a cockpit-style interface for launching rockets and practicing orbital maneuvers. The display lists a range of telemetry readouts — including stage, altitude, downrange, velocity (vertical and horizontal), acceleration, Max Q, dynamic pressure, drag coefficient, Mach, mass, propellant percentage, thrust, pitch, apoapsis and periapsis. The UI includes buttons for Launch, Reset, zoom controls, auto-zoom and an option to follow the rocket. Users can choose between manual control, where pitch is adjusted with the W and S keys and guidance can offer recommendations, and a Guided Launch mode that asks for a target altitude and will handle the ascent. An Orbital Mode lets users spawn directly in orbit with preset altitudes (200 km, 400 km, 500 km, 600 km, 800 km). The page shows starting telemetry values such as velocity 465 m/s, mass 531,270 kg and propellant at 100%, and is hosted at donutthejedi.com (published 2026-01-09).
Why it matters
- Exposes a realistic set of flight telemetry that can help users learn basic launch and orbit concepts.
- Offers both manual and guided control, accommodating novices who want assistance and users who prefer hands-on input.
- Orbital spawn presets let users jump directly into circular or near-circular orbit scenarios for focused practice.
- A compact web interface lowers the barrier to trying launch and orbital mechanics without specialized software.
Key facts
- Telemetry fields shown: stage, altitude, downrange, velocity (vertical/horizontal), acceleration, Max Q, dynamic pressure, drag coefficient, Mach, mass, propellant, thrust, pitch, apoapsis, periapsis.
- Initial telemetry examples visible in the interface include velocity 465 m/s, mass 531,270 kg and propellant 100%.
- Manual control mode: pitch is adjusted using W and S keys; guidance provides recommendations.
- Guided Launch mode accepts a user-set target altitude (in km) and handles ascent guidance.
- Orbital Mode allows spawning in orbit with preset altitudes: 200 km, 400 km, 500 km, 600 km and 800 km.
- UI controls include Launch, Reset, zoom in/out, auto-zoom and follow-rocket options.
- Mission Selector is present; the sample state shows 'No mission selected'.
- Hosted at https://www.donutthejedi.com/ and published 2026-01-09 (source provided).
What to watch next
- Guided Launch supports setting a target altitude and will handle the ascent (confirmed in the source).
- Whether the simulator’s physics model (atmosphere, staging, engine performance) matches real-world fidelity is not confirmed in the source.
- If the project is open source or provides downloadable assets and source code is not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apoapsis: The highest point in an orbit around a planetary body.
- Periapsis: The lowest point in an orbit around a planetary body.
- Max Q: The point of maximum dynamic pressure experienced by a vehicle during ascent.
- Downrange: The horizontal distance traveled down the Earth’s surface from the launch site.
- Propellant: Mass of fuel and oxidizer available for the rocket’s engines, usually expressed as a percentage remaining.
Reader FAQ
Where can I try this simulator?
The interface is hosted at https://www.donutthejedi.com/ (confirmed in the source).
How do I control the rocket manually?
Manual pitch control is handled with the W and S keys; guidance can provide recommendations (confirmed in the source).
Can I start already in orbit?
Yes. Orbital Mode includes a Spawn in Orbit option with presets for 200, 400, 500, 600 and 800 km (confirmed in the source).
Is the project open source or available for offline use?
not confirmed in the source
TELEMETRY T+ 00:00.00 Stage 1 Altitude 0.00 km Downrange 0.0 km Velocity 465 m/s Vertical V 0 m/s Horizontal V 465 m/s Acceleration 0.00 G Max Q 0.00 kPa Dynamic…
Sources
- Show HN: Rocket Launch and Orbit Simulator
- Space-search.io – A satellites search and visualisation tool
- Flight Club
- orbitalindex/awesome-space
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