0.21.0

  • Release Date: 2025-06-19

  • Commit: 80f46de

  • Full changelog: link

Download version 0.21.0 on the OpenSpace website installation page. Below are notes that highlight new content and bug fixes that will be relevant for OpenSpace users.

A More Flexible Interface

  • Complete redesign of the user interface for easier use and better customization.

  • Dockable, resizable windows let you arrange panels how you like.

  • Toolbar controls let you show only the menus you use most.

  • Menus (like scene and property menus) are better organized.

  • A “Getting Started Tour” appears the first time you launch OpenSpace on a new computer.

  • Clear notifications alert you to warnings and errors.

New Presentation Tools & Night Sky Features

  • New Night Sky panel, ideal for constellation and planetarium-style shows.

  • “ShowComposer” tool allows you to create your own custom control panels (http://localhost:4680/showcomposer) with narration scripts for presenters.

Updated Datasets

  • Exoplanets now have:

    • Labels for star systems

    • Color-coding based on planet type (e.g., super-Earth, gas giant)

    • Optional surface textures

  • New profile: “Today’s Sun” shows current solar magnetic activity.

  • New content includes:

    • Kuiper satellite constellation

    • High-res maps of Titan and Phobos

    • ESRI Wayback Earth map layers

  • Stars can now move over time using real motion data, if available.

  • Updated datasets and visuals for exoplanets, brown dwarfs, Neptune, Uranus, the Moon, and constellations.

Easier File Handling & Content Loading

  • Drag and drop support: Add files or folders directly into OpenSpace.

  • Map files (WMS) and assets now load from a dedicated user folder (globebrowsing).

  • Launcher improvements:

    • Dark mode support

    • Better save options for profiles

    • Icons to indicate user-created content

    • Keyboard shortcuts for managing window layouts

Accessibility and Language Support

  • Full keyboard navigation across the interface using TAB and ENTER.

  • Improved contrast and color consistency for readability.

  • Support added for future interface translation/localization.

  • New options for setting background and text colors on buttons.

  • Only focusable objects now display UI hints to reduce clutter.

Improvements for Custom Datasets

  • New tools for creating and customizing content:

    • Dome overlays, screen blackouts, time-linked image displays, and dashboard widgets

  • Scripted content can now:

    • Run on a schedule

    • Reload without restarting OpenSpace

    • Track system memory usage

  • Lua scripting enhancements:

    • Safer sandboxed execution by default

    • Streamlined navigation and focus functions

    • Improved tagging and content reordering

Bug Fixes

  • Resolved crashes related to maps, animations, layer deletion, and asset loading.

  • Fixes for:

    • Non-English keyboard input

    • Star rendering and Saturn ring shadows

    • Field-of-view calculation issues

  • Improved performance and UI behavior across large screens and custom dashboards.

  • Numerous additional fixes to support smooth operation and content loading.

Key Changes to Be Aware Of

  • The “Touch” profile has been removed.

  • Keybindings have changed:

    • ESC has been replaced with Ctrl + Q to exit.

    • TAB/Shift + TAB replaced with F1/Shift + F1 to toggle the UI.

  • Some assets, script commands, and fieldline properties have been renamed or reorganized.

  • Dashboard and rendering behavior may look different due to visual updates and defaults.