Saturn Navigator (Apple II, 5 1/4" Disk) subLOGIC - 1981 USA, Canada Release

Saturn Navigator
Title	Saturn Navigator
Manufacturer #	A2-3DA
Platform(s)	Apple II
Packaging	Plastic Bag
Media	5 1/4" Disk
Copyright date(s)	1981
Publisher(s)	SubLOGIC
Developer(s)	Wesley Huntress
Category(s)	Entertainment Simulation Space Simulation

Description from the packaging.

The programs on this diskette are designed to illustrate how spacecraft are maneuvered from one planet to another. The laws of celestial mechanics are demonstrated in a game-style format using high-resolution graphics and 3-D animation. The object of the simulation is to navigate a spacecraft from earth orbit to Saturn orbit, and finally to rendezvous with a space station orbiting Saturn between the planet and rings. The user functions as pilot and navigator to plot his course and set up maneuvers.

The earth-Saturn voyage must be accomplished within the limit of the total amount of fuel available. Both fuel consumption and time may be used as factors in evaluating performance. Shorter travel times require higher velocities, leading to higher fuel consumption. At various points throughout the flight you may find yourself in a situation where it is impossible for you to successfully continue, due to either poor position or lack of fuel. Under such circumstances your only remedy will be to start over.

The trip from earth to Saturn is made in four stages:

1. TRANSORBIT flight between earth orbit and approach to Saturn

2. APPROACH to Saturn and injection into initial Saturn orbit

3. ORBIT of Saturn and orbital maneuvers to put the spacecraft into an equatorial orbit inside the inner edge of the rings and above the planet

4. RENDEZVOUS with the Saturn orbital station in a near-Saturn circular orbit

Saturn Navigator is a complex simulation which uses sophisticated calculations and a large Saturn data base to simulate interplanetary flight as realistically as possible. The accuracy and competence with which you perform each maneuver will affect your later situation. For example, you can maneuver yourself into a transorbital position where it becomes nearly impossible to achieve a successful approach trajectory.

It may take many attempts before you are able to successfully complete a rendezvous with the Saturn orbital station.

System Requirements

Apple II
Required RAM	48K
Requires Joystick	Yes