A gravitational slingshot simulator that uses Pygame to model real-world physics. It provides an interactive way to understand planetary gravity, orbits, and the ‘slingshot’ effect used by real space agencies to propel probes through the solar system.
I’ve officially escaped the gravitational pull of my desktop. After a long, caffeinated battle between Python’s logic and JavaScript’s quirks, the project has successfully landed on the Web.
🔌 Bridging the Galaxy (Python ➡ JS)
Converting the physics engine from Python to JavaScript was like trying to explain orbital mechanics to a goldfish. I had to translate every vector, every gravitational pull, and every trigonometric function into the language of the browser. It wasn’t just a “copy-paste” job; it was a complete brain transplant for the spacecraft.
🎨 The Navy Blue Transformation
I decided the simulation needed to look as “cool” as the physics behind it. I’ve revamped the UI with a modern, sleek Navy Blue design. No more clunky windows; just a smooth, Canvas-based experience that runs at 60 FPS without breaking a sweat.
🛰️ The Final Frontier
What I worked on exactly? I rebuilt the entire core using HTML5 Canvas and Vanilla JavaScript. I optimized the collision detection to ensure Jupiter feels as massive as it should, and I polished the click-and-drag launch system so you can yeet ships with surgical precision.
The project is now live, responsive, and ready for anyone with a browser to test their luck against the laws of physics.
Stay grounded, but keep launching.
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After a long series of arguments with Python and a tug-of-war with Newton’s laws (turns out, the guy wasn’t joking), I’ve officially survived Phase One. Here’s the “too long; didn’t read” version of the journey:
🧠 The Brain Stuff (Logic & Math)Turns out, Gravity is a bit of a diva. I spent a good amount of time wrestling with Vector Math and Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation ( F = G * (m1m2 / r^2) ). The logic is now solid: spacecraft actually “feel” the planet’s pull, and the slingshot effect works exactly as physics intended.
💻 The Desktop App The desktop version is fully functional. I’ve implemented the core engine, the UI, and the “click-and-drag” launch system. You can now yeet spacecraft into space and watch them either achieve a perfect orbit or crash into Jupiter in high definition.
⏭️ What’s Next? The mission is to escape the desktop environment. I’m planning to migrate the entire simulation to a Website. Soon, anyone with a browser will be able to play with gravity without needing to install anything.
Stay tuned, space is about to get a lot more crowded.
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