Satellite Orbit Simulations
Explore different approaches to implementing 3D satellite orbit simulations. Each implementation has different strengths and trade-offs.
Next.js Only
Direct implementation using Three.js in Next.js without any backend.
- ✅ Fully client-side
- ✅ Seamless UI integration
- ✅ Fast loading
- ❌ Less precise physics
Python + Next.js
Python backend for calculations with Next.js frontend for visualization.
- ✅ Accurate physics
- ✅ Seamless UI integration
- ✅ Separation of concerns
- ❌ Requires API setup
Streamlit Embedded
Full Python implementation with Streamlit embedded in an iframe.
- ✅ Rapid prototyping
- ✅ Full Python ecosystem
- ✅ Built-in UI controls
- ❌ Iframe limitations
Render.com + Next.js
Cloud-hosted Python API on Render.com with Next.js frontend.
- ✅ Accurate physics
- ✅ Cloud-hosted API
- ✅ No local server needed
- ❌ Free tier spin-up delay
Solar System Simulation
Accurate ephemeris-based simulation of the Earth, Moon, and Sun using NASA JPL data.
- ✅ Real astronomical data
- ✅ Accurate ephemeris trajectories
- ✅ Interactive time controls
- ✅ NASA JPL Horizons API
Choosing the Right Approach
Each implementation approach has different trade-offs. Here's when to use each:
Direct Next.js Implementation
Best for simpler visualizations where you want seamless integration with your site design and don't need complex physics calculations.
Python Backend + Next.js Frontend
Ideal for scientifically accurate simulations that need Python's numerical libraries while maintaining a polished, integrated UI experience.
Streamlit Embedding
Perfect for rapid prototyping, data exploration, or when you need the full Python data science stack with minimal JavaScript development.
Ephemeris-Based Simulation
Best for astronomically accurate visualizations where real-world positions and trajectories matter, such as depicting actual celestial mechanics.