Solar System Engine Architecture

Welcome to Solar System Engine Architecture, an immersive, high-performance solar system simulation designed to bridge the gap between astronomical data and visual exploration. Built from the ground up using C++ and the Vulkan API, AstroScale offers a deep dive into the mechanics of our cosmos.

Whether you are a space enthusiast, a student, or a developer interested in engine architecture, AstroScale provides a unique perspective on the scale and beauty of our planetary system.

Key Features

• Dual-Scale Engine: Seamlessly toggle between "Visual Scale" (designed for ease of exploration) and "Real Scale" (astronomically accurate distances and proportions).
• Cinematic Eclipse Mode: Witness a perfectly aligned solar eclipse with custom-engineered rendering that mimics atmospheric light scattering.
• GPU-Driven Particles: Explore vast asteroid belts and the Kuiper Belt, rendered with high-efficiency compute shaders and indirect drawing, handling thousands of celestial bodies without lag.
• HDR Visual Fidelity: Experience the deep silence of space with high-dynamic-range (EXR) skyboxes, featuring advanced tone mapping and post-processing bloom effects.
• Interactive Learning: Click on any planet or moon to access real-time scientific data, including orbital mechanics, physical properties, and surface temperatures.

Technical Highlights

AstroScale was developed as an engine architecture project, focusing on:

• Vulkan API for efficient GPU resource management.
• Custom UI integration via ImGui for real-time control.
• Advanced shading techniques (Normal mapping, FBM noise, and real-time shadows).

Controls

• Left Click: Select celestial bodies to view scientific data.
• Double Click: Lock camera to target.
• Mouse Wheel: Zoom in/out to explore the scale of the system.
• Spacebar: Pause/Resume simulation time.