[See Part 1 of this series for a Space:1999 video game]

You can finally fulfill your dream of flying an Eagle over Moonbase Alpha! Just follow these steps and you’ll be ready for lift-off in no time.

STEP 1: Download Orbiter
Orbiter is a free space flight simulator that can be downloaded at http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/. It’s a no-install app, so all you have to do is unzip the downloaded file and you’re done!

STEP 2: Go to OrbitHanger to download Space:1999 add-ons

OrbitHanger is located at http://www.orbithangar.com/ and is a source of all kinds of add-ons for the Orbiter space simulator, including the Thunderbirds add-ons – remember that awesome 60s TV show?

All you need to get started is the Moonbase Alpha add-on, which can be found here http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=2858. This version (V5a) includes the necessary New Eagle add-on.

Note that there are plenty of other Eagle packs available at this site for you to experiment with as well.

STEP 3: Unzip the Moobase Alpha V5a add-on into your Orbiter directory

After you unzip the add-on, click on orbiter.exe.

In the Orbiter Launchpad, you’ll see Moonbase Alpha; select it and choose an Eagle to fly!

STEP 4: Eagle 1 Ready for Launch!

If you’re an experienced flight sim flyer, then you’re probably ready to go. As for me, I needed some basic training first because I couldn’t get my Eagle off the ground . If you’re like me, then I recommend you go through some of the documentation on the Orbiter website at http://orbit.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/manual.html to help you get oriented. Good luck Commander!

In Part 3 of this series, I’ll show you how to build your own Eagle, as well as other models from Space:1999!