Rocket Simulation Software Comparison

A fair comparison of LaunchSim with other popular rocket simulation tools.

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Quick Overview

Software	Price	Platform	Best For
LaunchSim	Free	Browser (any device)	Quick simulations, launch day, beginners
OpenRocket	Free	Windows/Mac/Linux (Java)	Detailed design, component library
RockSim	$124	Windows/Mac	Professional use, extensive database
RASAero II	Free	Windows	High-speed/supersonic rockets

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Detailed Comparison

LaunchSim

Strengths:

• Zero installation — runs in any browser
• Works on phones, tablets, and computers
• Real-time weather integration
• 3D flight visualization with terrain
• Launch day tools (GO/NO-GO, checklists)
• Altimeter data import (11+ formats)
• GPS tracking for recovery
• Club sharing and competitions
• Modern, clean interface

Limitations:

• Smaller component database than established tools
• Newer software with less community validation
• No OBJ export for 3D printing
• Transonic/supersonic accuracy not validated

Best for: Quick simulations, launch day operations, beginners, mobile use

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OpenRocket

Strengths:

• Mature, well-validated physics engine
• Extensive component database
• Large community and support
• 6-DOF simulation
• Automatic design optimization
• Export to RockSim/RASAero formats
• OBJ export for 3D printing
• Open source (GPL)
• Android app available

Limitations:

• Requires Java installation
• Desktop-only (no browser version)
• No real-time weather integration
• Basic 3D visualization
• No launch day tools
• Interface feels dated to some users

Best for: Detailed rocket design, optimization, community support

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RockSim 10

Strengths:

• Most extensive component database
• Well-established (since 1997)
• Detailed CG tracking as motor burns
• Good documentation
• Professional support from Apogee

Limitations:

• $124 cost
• Windows/Mac only (no mobile)
• No browser version
• Some users report less accuracy than OpenRocket
• Proprietary (closed source)
• Copy protection

Best for: Users who want commercial support, extensive built-in database

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RASAero II

Strengths:

• Excellent for supersonic simulations
• Detailed aerodynamic coefficients
• Free to use
• Good for high-altitude rockets

Limitations:

• Windows only
• Steeper learning curve
• Complex rocket designs harder to enter
• Limited to aerodynamic analysis
• No recovery simulation

Best for: High-power rockets, supersonic flights, aerodynamic analysis

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Feature Matrix

Feature	LaunchSim	OpenRocket	RockSim	RASAero II
Price	Free	Free	$124	Free
Browser-based	✅	❌	❌	❌
Mobile support	✅	Android only	❌	❌
No installation	✅	❌	❌	❌
6-DOF physics	✅	✅	✅	✅
Barrowman stability	✅	✅	✅	✅
Monte Carlo	✅	✅	✅	❌
Multi-stage	✅	✅	✅	✅
Clustering	✅	✅	✅	✅
Design optimization	✅	✅	✅	❌
3D visualization	✅ Advanced	✅ Basic	✅ Basic	❌
Real-time weather	✅	❌	❌	❌
Launch day tools	✅	❌	❌	❌
Altimeter import	✅	❌	❌	❌
GPS tracking	✅	❌	❌	❌
Club sharing	✅	❌	❌	❌
KML export	✅	❌	❌	❌
OBJ export (3D print)	❌	✅	❌	❌
Component database	180+	1000+	2000+	Limited
OpenRocket import	✅	N/A	✅	✅
Supersonic accuracy	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited	⚠️ Limited	✅
Open source	✅ MIT	✅ GPL	❌	❌

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When to Use Each

Choose LaunchSim if you:

• Want to simulate without installing software
• Need launch day weather and GO/NO-GO assessment
• Want 3D flight visualization
• Import altimeter data to compare with simulations
• Use a phone or tablet at the launch site
• Are new to rocketry and want an easy start
• Want GPS tracking for recovery

Choose OpenRocket if you:

• Need the most validated physics engine
• Want extensive community support
• Need automatic design optimization
• Want to export designs for 3D printing
• Prefer a mature, battle-tested tool

Choose RockSim if you:

• Want commercial support
• Need the largest component database
• Prefer proprietary software with a company behind it
• Don't mind paying $124

Choose RASAero II if you:

• Build supersonic rockets
• Need detailed aerodynamic coefficients
• Want to validate drag predictions
• Are comfortable with a technical interface

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Using Multiple Tools

Many rocketeers use multiple simulators to cross-check results. A common workflow:

1. Design in OpenRocket (best component library)
2. Validate aerodynamics in RASAero II (for high-speed)
3. Launch day use LaunchSim (weather, mobile access, GO/NO-GO)
4. Post-flight import altimeter data to LaunchSim to compare

LaunchSim imports OpenRocket (.ork) files, so you can design elsewhere and use LaunchSim for launch day operations.

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Accuracy Notes

All simulation software makes assumptions and simplifications. Real-world factors that affect accuracy:

• Surface finish variations
• Manufacturing tolerances
• Wind gusts and turbulence
• Motor performance variations
• Temperature effects on propellant

Recommendation: Use simulations for planning, but always build in safety margins. No simulator perfectly predicts reality.

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Summary

If you want...	Use
Zero-install, browser-based	LaunchSim
Most mature/validated	OpenRocket
Commercial support	RockSim
Supersonic analysis	RASAero II
Launch day tools	LaunchSim
3D printing export	OpenRocket
Mobile/tablet use	LaunchSim

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This comparison was created to be fair and objective. If you find any inaccuracies, please open an issue.