OpenRocket turns 10

[Sampo]

Ten years ago today, I released the first version of OpenRocket (0.9.0). It's been a great ride since.

Even though my personal rocket hobby has dwindled over the years, it's still exciting to follow progress in rocketry, both large and small. It's also fun to do experiments like simulating a Saturn V in OpenRocket.

Development of OpenRocket has passed to other contributors. There are significant new features coming, but unfortunately the significant changes has also introduced a lot of bugs, which are still open.

A huge thank you to all the contributors who continue to work on OpenRocket and all users worldwide!

Hopefully once my son and daughter get a bit older I can start doing rocketry with them.

 

[SpaceManMat]

Big thanks Sampo for all your hard work, ceartainly OR is a big asset to the community.

Also thanks to everyone who has helped out developing OR further.

 

[cwbullet]

It is broken on my Mac. I think Apple finally did it in.

 

[K'Tesh]

Thanks to you, and the rest of the crew that makes OR work for all of us. I know the hobby for me wouldn't be the same without it.

Pointy Side Up!!!
Jim

 

[cwbullet]

Thanks to the crew that developed ti also. Anyone know how to get past the RunTime Exception Error on a Mac. It will not even open.

 

[lakeroadster]

Ten years ago today, I released the first version of OpenRocket (0.9.0). It's been a great ride since.

A sincere thank you to you for creating Open Rocket. What a great program.

 

[j.a.duke]

It is broken on my Mac. I think Apple finally did it in.

Chuck,

I've got it working on my 2018 MacBook Pro. I can't find the reference on what I needed to do to get it working, but I'll look and update the reply when I do find it.

Added 2019-05-24 10:40 EDT:
I think this is the solution I'm using to have it work:
https://www.rocketryforum.com/threa...d-mac-to-solve-all-your-java-problems.143540/

Cheers,
Jon

 

[cwbullet]

Chuck,

I've got it working on my 2018 MacBook Pro. I can't find the reference on what I needed to do to get it working, but I'll look and update the reply when I do find it.

Cheers,
Jon

I found it. It is on another thread.

 

[Buckeye]

...and the current version turns 4+ years old. RockSim hasn't added new features in years, either. I think design/flight trajectory software like OR, RS, RA, wRASP, are pretty much tapped out.

So, what is the next big thing in rocketry software? Artificial Intelligence? How about some almost real-time CFD simulation, perhaps using GPU computing? Something more capable than Cipolla's AeroRocket stuff, but not needing full blown CFD software from the likes of Ansys....

 

[dhbarr]

Dreaming towards 10 years from now I would love to see integrated workflows between something like OR, ProPEP, BurnSim, FinSim, etc. Also importing and exporting true 3d shapes.

 

[lakeroadster]

I like the fact that it's pretty easy to use and doesn't have a bunch of bells and whistles... simply because it ratchets up the complexity, and the size / cost of the computer to run the program.

Sometimes less is more.

 

[Kelly]

Thank you, and all the developers, for this excellent tool!

 

[sjh1]

I am starting to look into doing some updates to your excellent application. If you have any documentation or notes that would help, please pass them on. Also who controls the web page for the downloads?

 

[warnerr]

Great product! Thank you! one ‘complaint’ - i wish it had a donate to developer button! (ya- I know- its open source) just saying!

 

[Adrian A]

This has been a huge contribution to the hobby. Thanks for making it happen.

 

[j.a.duke]

So, what is the next big thing in rocketry software?

What I'd like to see/have is an app, though a spreadsheet probably works, that lists pretty much every commercially produced rocket and recommended engines/altitudes.

I suspect most people don't carry the build directions or card inserts from their kits with them when flying.

If this information is available, I'd be happy to try building an app (it probably wouldn't be pretty to start).

Cheers,
Jon

 

[Buckeye]

What I'd like to see/have is an app, though a spreadsheet probably works, that lists pretty much every commercially produced rocket and recommended engines/altitudes.

I suspect most people don't carry the build directions or card inserts from their kits with them when flying.

If this information is available, I'd be happy to try building an app (it probably wouldn't be pretty to start).

Cheers,
Jon

This may be handy for some, but certainly not a "big thing" in software. Most fliers keep a notebook or simulation files of their rockets. Manufacturer recommended engines/altitudes are a rough guide at best, because everybody builds their rockets differently, especially HPR.