Space simulator

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A space simulator, often shortened to space sim, is a piece of software that simulates outer space and/or space flight. The umbrella definition of the term "space simulator" covers an extensive and highly varied range of software, from astronomical software to arcade games to astronaut/cosmonaut training programs.

Space simulators which try to replicate the experience of space flight as closely and realistically as possible are known as space flight simulators. Space simulators, usually of the arcade game variety, which feature combat are called space combat games[1][2][3][4][5] or space combat simulators[6][7][8]. Space simulators which feature trading in addition to combat, such as Elite or Freelancer, are called space trading and combat simulators[9][10][11][12] or space trading simulators[13][14][15]—sometimes with the term "exploration" thrown in between[16][17][18][19][20].

Space simulation video games, at one time popular, have been referred to as a "dead" genre.[21][8][22][23]

The term "space simulator" has also been applied to computers and devices used by scientists to study the environment of outer space and astrophysics. Examples include the Large Space Simulator[24] at the European Space Research and Technology Centre and The Space Simulator[25] at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.


  1. ^ Freelancer (HTML). GameSpot. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  2. ^ Parkyn, Jonathan (August 14, 2006). Review: Darkstar One 3D space combat game (HTML). Infomatics Online. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  3. ^ Star Wars Starfighter™ Brings LucasArts' Celebrated Air And Space Combat Legacy To Playstation 2 (HTML). LucasArts (May 10, 2000). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  4. ^ Cook, Brad. Vendetta Online: Have Starship, Will Travel (HTML). Apple.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  5. ^ Space Force - Rogue Universe AU Release Date (HTML). GamersHell (July 2, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  6. ^ tags » space combat (HTML). GameSpot. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  7. ^ SW3DG releases Evochron Renegades (HTML). GameTunnel (October 20, 2007). Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  8. ^ a b Peck, Brooks. 1999 E3 Science Fiction Game Preview (HTML). SciFi.com. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
  9. ^ Evochron (HTML). GameZone. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  10. ^ Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators (HTML). GamingTrend. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  11. ^ X3: Reunion (HTML). IGN. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  12. ^ Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators (PC) (HTML). GameSpy. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  13. ^ McCarthy, Dave (October 25, 2007). Braben reveals more on The Outsider, Elite IV (HTML). IGN. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  14. ^ Game information page for: Space Rangers 2: Dominators (HTML). RPG Codex. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  15. ^ Turner, Brian (December 12, 2006). Space Rangers 2 Review (HTML). RPGDot. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  16. ^ Cohen, Peter (November 6, 2007). A newbie's guide to EVE Online (HTML). MacWorld. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  17. ^ Scott, Sharkey (January 20, 2006). Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators (PC) (HTML). 1up. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  18. ^ Space Rangers 2: Rise of the Dominators Hands-On (HTML). Yahoo! Games. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  19. ^ Dante, Tolen. Freelancer (HTML). Armchair Empire. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  20. ^ Webb, Danny. Space Rangers 2 (HTML). Armchair Empire. Retrieved on November 17, 2007.
  21. ^ Space Interceptor: Project Freedom (HTML). MyGamer (November 9, 2004). Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  22. ^ Weise, Matt (May 28, 2003). Freelancer (HTML). GameCritics. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  23. ^ LaMosca, Adam (July 18, 2006). Lost in the Void (HTML). The Escapist. Retrieved on 2007-11-17.
  24. ^ New Device Allows Safe And Fast Access To Large Space Simulator (HTML). Science Daily (March 27, 2005). Retrieved on November 23, 2007.
  25. ^ The Space Simulator –– Modeling The Universe On A Budget (HTML). Science Daily (June 23, 2004). Retrieved on November 23, 2007.
  26. ^ (June 1984) "Arcade Mind Games". Sinclair User (27). Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “Codename Mat could almost be described as state-of-the-art in software and it is close to a simulation in space-game terms.” 
  27. ^ Gilbert, John (November 1985). "Spectrum Software Scene". Sinclair User (44). Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “In some ways Elite can be described as a simulation. You are piloting a space vehicle which will only take so much stress and strain and steering is more complex than in most space games.” 
  28. ^ Davies, Jonathan (March 1989). "Echelon review". Your Sinclair (39). Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “A brain-blendingly complicated space simulation with plenty of mileage in it.” 
  29. ^ Allegiance. Official website. Retrieved on 2007-11-11. “Allegiance is a free, online, multi-player space simulation game.”
  30. ^ About Orbiter. Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “Orbiter is a free flight simulator that goes beyond the confines of Earth's atmosphere.”
  31. ^ Explore the universe with Celestia (HTML). Astronomy WA. Retrieved on 2007-11-23. “Celestia is a free, real-time space simulation program which was originally created in 2001 by Chris Laurel, a computer programmer.”
  32. ^ Oolite FAQ. Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “Oolite is a simulation game — one based on a game design that comes from a time before 'twitch' gaming.”
  33. ^ FAQ Evochron Renegades. Retrieved on 2007-11-08. “... a first person 3D space combat, trader, and mercenary simulation.”

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