Project First: Space Race Simulator Project
I loved Buzz Aldrin’s Race into space when I first played it several years ago. The things I wish I could change about that simulator are the things I am attempting to put into my own idea of a space race hot seat simulator. For example in BARIS, launches played the same videos over and over again, in a modern sim, there is no reason why these launches could not be dynamically simulated based on the current tech level. Even on a modest computer, using modern graphics techniques, it should be possible to create a compelling sim with dynamically generated and simulated mission launches. I am testing this concept with my Project First, I want to see how cool of a Space Race launch I can simulate with XNA.
I have started with a simple goal for now, model the crafts and locations to dynamically generate the Explorer I mission, not necessarily to real life spec. But to a decently realistic and good looking level of detail. To this end, I am working on modelling the Jupiter-C launch vehicle 
using correct dimensions weights etc. I will use this to create a pretty basic simulation in XNA and build on it adding stuff like the engine sounds I am also working on Here is a preview of some of the stuff I have coming
Audio:
The audio was created in Audacity using a high pressure cigarette lighter as the base sound, then I pretty much massaged it down a bit to get a nice roar. The start just uses reverb and amplitude changes to give the feeling of that initial surge at rocket startup. Pretty simple sounds to create so far. Kinda fun to be playing with audio again .
Engine Start
Engine Run
Images:
Jupiter-C RocketDyne Booster Tail Section
For fellow BARIS lovers, the game has been open-sourced and can be found here
