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Saturn V Launch Simulation

Saturn V

Experience the first 3 stages of the apollo mission rocket launch

RNfinity | Published 31-08-2025

Saturn V Rocket Launch Simulation

This simulation models the Saturn V rocket and its three-stage ascent, based on NASA Apollo mission data. Users can track velocity, altitude, pitch angle, and other telemetry in real time while observing stage separations of the Saturn V 5 rocket.

The model demonstrates how the Saturn V lunar rocket and its stages—S-IC, S-II, and S-IVB—work together to reach Earth orbit and perform translunar injection. The simulation simplifies the third stage as a single continuous burn rather than splitting it, yet the final velocity closely approximates that required for a Moon-bound trajectory.

Limitations

  • Drag and pitch adjustments are approximations.
  • Orbital mechanics beyond Earth orbit insertion are not fully modeled.
  • Altitude displayed is instantaneous; apogee or translunar trajectory is estimated.

This simulation is intended for educational purposes and as a tool for exploring the dynamics of Saturn V rocket models and rocket launch simulation concepts.

SATURN V ROCKET LAUNCH SIMULATION

Experience the Apollo moon mission launch with physics-based simulation

VELOCITY OVER TIME
ALTITUDE OVER TIME
PITCH ANGLE OVER TIME

LAUNCH CONTROL

SIMULATION SPEED
5.0x
1
S-IC
2
S-II
3
S-IVB
MISSION: READY FOR LAUNCH

TELEMETRY DATA

ALTITUDE
0 km
VELOCITY
0 m/s
HORIZONTAL VEL
0 m/s
ACCELERATION
0 m/s²
PITCH ANGLE
90°
MASS
2,970 t
THRUST
35,100 kN
TIME
0 s

Saturn V Rocket Launch Simulation | Based on NASA Apollo mission data

Simulation includes gravity, drag, thrust vectoring, and rocket equation physics

Introduction

This simulation models the launch of the Saturn V rocket, the vehicle used during NASA's Apollo missions to the Moon. It visualizes the rocket's ascent, stage separation, and trajectory using simplified physics. The simulation tracks key parameters such as:

  • Altitude (distance from Earth's surface)
  • Velocity (total, horizontal, and vertical components)
  • Pitch angle (gravity turn maneuver)
  • Mass (including stage separation)
  • Thrust and acceleration

Graphical elements include a dynamic canvas showing the rocket, Earth curvature, clouds, and stars, along with real-time charts for velocity, altitude, and pitch angle. Controls allow users to start, pause, reset, and adjust simulation speed.

Physics Model

  • Stages: Three Saturn V stages with specified burn times, thrust, initial and final masses, and specific impulses (ISP).
  • Gravity: Varies with altitude using the inverse square law.
  • Drag: Simplified atmospheric drag is applied based on altitude-dependent air density.
  • Gravity Turn: Pitch angle is adjusted to simulate the gravity turn maneuver for orbit insertion.
  • Centripetal effects: Basic approximation included in vertical acceleration calculation.

Limitations

  • Simplified Aerodynamics: Drag modeled with constant cross-sectional area and fixed coefficient; real aerodynamics are more complex.
  • Gravity Turn Approximation: Simplified formula may cause unrealistic trajectories at high horizontal velocities.
  • Stage Modeling: Constant thrust and mass flow; real engines vary slightly in throttle and timing.
  • No Orbital Perturbations: Neglects Earth's rotation, Moon/Sun gravitation, and detailed orbital mechanics.
  • Instantaneous Altitude: Shows altitude above Earth’s surface, not apoapsis or periapsis for interplanetary trajectories.
  • No Fuel Slosh or Thermal Effects: Internal fuel dynamics, structural bending, and thermal stresses are not included.
  • Retro-Focused Visualization: Canvas graphics prioritize visual effect over strict scientific accuracy.

Summary

This simulation provides a visually engaging, physics-informed approximation of the Saturn V launch, suitable for educational and demonstration purposes. While it captures the general behavior of multi-stage ascent and gravity turn maneuvers, it does not replace detailed orbital mechanics or NASA mission planning software.



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