How to use Orbit Sling
Tap outside the planet to place a satellite. PegFlux gives it a sideways launch speed based on its distance from the planet. Keep a satellite alive for a complete orbit to score 100 points.
Controls
Tap/click around the planet to choose the launch radius, or press Launch Satellite for a quick preset.
This is a free browser physics experience with no real-money wagering, cash prizes or required account.
What to try
- Launch farther from the planet and compare the slower orbital motion.
- Try several radii instead of stacking satellites at the same point.
- Watch for paths that fall inward or escape outward when the balance is imperfect.
What the physics shows
An orbit is continuous falling. Gravity bends a moving object toward the planet, while sideways velocity keeps it from falling straight down. When those effects balance, the path curves around the planet instead of colliding with it.
Why replay it?
Small changes create visibly different outcomes, so the fastest way to understand the system is to repeat the same setup and then change one variable at a time. PegFlux keeps the controls compact so the experiment stays readable on both desktop and mobile.
Why some launches survive
A useful orbit needs enough sideways speed to keep missing the planet as gravity pulls inward. Too little speed produces a collision; too much can send the satellite outward. Distance matters as well because gravitational pull becomes weaker farther from the center. Orbit Sling automatically chooses a near-circular starting speed, then leaves small imperfections so you can watch paths drift, tighten or fail instead of seeing the exact same circle every time.