Problem Taking off with the space shuttle

[Nasa1710]

Hey
I just downloaded Orbiter and i dont know how to take off with a space shuttle. What do i have to do that the main engines start? and how do i steer the shuttles i mean with which keys? Thanks for answering

 

[garyw]

When you unzipped orbiter you'll have created a docs directory. In there is a file called ORBITER.PDF it would be a good idea to read it because you can't just jump in the shuttle and get into orbit. It takes an understanding of orbital mechanics.

I'd strongly advise you to read the manual and then start slowing with the delta glider which is a lot more forgiving.

 

[Izack]

Orbiter.pdf is exactly what you need. :thumbup:
Look in 'Doc' in the Orbiter directory.

For a beginner, Go Play in Space is even better. Also, you should try the Deltaglider out before jumping into the space shuttle. It's a lot more forgiving.

to Orbiter-Forum!

EDIT: Ninja'd by Garyw!

 

[statickid]

also if you want to just experiment you will also notice there is a file in your directory called "keymap" and you can look at it and see what keys are used to execute various simple commands, however you might need the doc to know what the acronyms mean lol!:hmm:

 

[Lucy]

Knowing the keys isn't enough. Manuals are essential reading.

 

[Nasa1710]

Thanks for the answers i will do all the stuff
Just one Question:
It says Fire 1 Step to Launch the shuttle: fire your main engines at 100 % but i cant find how to fire them at 100%

 

[Urwumpe]

Thanks for the answers i will do all the stuff
Just one Question:
It says Fire 1 Step to Launch the shuttle: fire your main engines at 100 % but i cant find how to fire them at 100%

Did you read the manual already and learned about the basic controls?

 

[statickid]

Knowing the keys isn't enough. Manuals are essential reading.

yep, and trying to use orbiter without reading the manual will most likely convince anyone skeptical about manuals that they are indeed essential reading :lol:

 

[Mantis]

In addition to reading the manual, you might also want to look at something much more forgiving and easier to fly to begin with. Try the Delta Glider. It's much easier to fly and you can use it to learn the basics.

 

[Izack]

yep, and trying to use orbiter without reading the manual will most likely convince anyone skeptical about manuals that they are indeed essential reading :lol:

You know, I ran Orbiter at least 20 times before I picked up the manual. I learned a lot.
Fortunately, I then picked up the manual and found out that most of what I had learned was incorrect or at least inefficient.
I've said it before, but everyone who says MANUALS MANUALS always seem to forget that Orbiter requires an intuitive feel that comes from meddling and experimentation, as well as technical knowledge from the manuals. Both those aspects are important.

 

[Lucy]

I sense we are slipping into yet another thread on the joys and wonders of documentation...

 

[Izack]

Point taken. Appropriate measures are being taken to keep me shut up. :tiphat:

 

[jambooger]

Hey
I just downloaded Orbiter and i dont know how to take off with a space shuttle. What do i have to do that the main engines start? and how do i steer the shuttles i mean with which keys? Thanks for answering

Ive been flying Orbiter for barely 6 months. I am still a beginner, but Im so glad Im not starting from scratch again. I dont like to read but Orbiter AND this forum will INSIST that you do so. That is the only way to use this sim. I know how your feeling, when you first start it is very overwhelming. Just be patient there is no "quick start" with this one. Take your time, it is well worth it. Oh and READ :thumbup:

 

[spacekid1998]

a benefit to reading is you will soon understand orbital mechanics and then realize just how far-fetched alot of sci fi space movies really are

 

[Skookum]

Ah yes, I remember "the study" well. I poured over Orbiter.pdf for a week after realizing that despite my previous career as a pilot, my knowledge of the subject of space travel was woefully inadequate. Orbiter has a steep learning curve. But what do you expect? It IS rocket science after all. :shifty:

Oh, and by the way. Welcome to the forum! People hear are really awesome. If you have done some research and still have questions, you can expect to get an answer around here. We just like to give the newbies a hard time because:

1. For better or worse, it's fun; and

2. At one point we all downloaded Orbiter, fired it up without reading nuthun', climbed into Atlantis and asked ourselves "Now what?"

Good luck with "the study" and we'll see you around.

:hail:

 

[Kevon Daye]

a benefit to reading is you will soon understand orbital mechanics and then realize just how far-fetched alot of sci fi space movies really are

Actually I think thats more of a curse. I can't watch five minutes of Armageddon without exclaiming "Whatever, that can't happen!" to the continual annoyance of my wife.

 

[statickid]

Actually I think thats more of a curse. I can't watch five minutes of Armageddon without exclaiming "Whatever, that can't happen!" to the continual annoyance of my wife.

I also do this, but with some of the high powered scifi ships I also can see how some of the stuff could happen, for example, I have figured out ways to have star wars style dogfights in space plausible. I've figured out two ways:

1. they have continual vertical acceleration, and this allows them to "crash" when they get shot down

2. I didn't think it was possible, but dog-fighting style maneuvers are totally easy to accomplish even when you are in orbital trajectories. its much more complicated then flying in the atmosphere but I got it down! i made some cool recordings, i could post them if i knew how or where to put it. does orbit-hangar have a place for recordings?

 

[Tommy]

The type of dog fighting tactics that are used in an atmosphere would be fairly useless outside the atmosphere. The actual techniques would be more like what the fighters in Babylon 5 (or even the old Asteroids game) do - burn, coast, and strafe. You wouldn't want to coast too long without some alteration to your trajectory or you would be a sitting duck - it's way to easy to predict the path of a vessel that's just coasting.