Apollo 8 Launch Emulator

Operate a realistic replica of the Apollo 8 spacecraft’s guidance computer.

This app is not a traditional game (no winning or losing involved). It is also not an entire mission simulation. So, if you are looking for either of those, then don’t download this app.

Instead, it is a commemoration of the launch of humankind’s first trip to another world by way of an emulation of a realistic Apollo Guidance Computer (or AGC) and DiSplay KeYboard interface (called DSKY). Fun tip: You can sync the launch emulation in this app to a video of the actual launch. The app will tell you about important events during the flight (as they occur) that not even the commentators on the video will mention.

You can re-enact the launch of the powerful Saturn V rocket that sent the Apollo 8 spacecraft with its crew on the way to the Moon on December 21, 1968. You will see the mission critical true-to-life data displayed as it would have been shown in real-time to the astronauts as they ascended from the launch pad to Earth parking orbit.

To add to the enjoyment of the experience, the app supplies optional English explanations of the data shown. Not only that, you will be continually informed of major events that occur at each mission critical point between launch and Earth orbit at the appropriate time.

As a bonus, you will be able to type in a small subset of the actual commands that the astronauts entered into the AGC via the DSKY and see relevant results.

Other features that separate this AGC replica from some others even on PCs or Macs …

Built-in extensive user instructions are available and include relevant historical background.

For the sake of historical accuracy, the DSKY displays data in the original Imperial measurement units which were used by NASA on Apollo missions (that is, feet, nautical miles, etc., not meters and kilometers).

For those who wish to issue commands to the computer without typing extensive instructions into the DSKY, fast shortcuts are provided via a special radio button menu.

Happy Apollo 8 Fiftieth Anniversary to all of you arm-chair astronauts!