Configuring Metadata Simulation and Universe

These blocks define the exercise identity, operator brief, simulation clock, numerical solver, and global environment.

Configuring metadata

"metadata": {
  "name": "Pathfinder Checkout",
  "description": "A one-team spacecraft and communications checkout.",
  "brief": "# Pathfinder Checkout\n\nEstablish contact and identify the communications anomaly."
}

name is the scenario display name.
description summarizes the exercise.
brief is Markdown published to operators.

Use \n for line breaks inside a JSON string.

WARNING

Studio’s Space Range scenario JSON export does not include metadata.brief. Keep the source brief in version control or as a separate Markdown file. A full .zen project stores the brief separately with the project.

Configuring the simulation

"simulation": {
  "epoch": "2026/09/09 12:00:00",
  "speed": 1.0,
  "step_size": 0.1,
  "integrator": "Euler",
  "end_time": 600.0
}

Field	Meaning
`epoch`	Initial simulation UTC
`speed`	Simulation seconds per real second
`step_size`	Numerical integration step in seconds
`integrator`	`Euler` or `RK4`
`end_time`	Hard stop in simulation seconds; `0.0` disables the hard stop

If end_time is omitted, the default is 3600 seconds. Set it explicitly.

Use RK4 and a smaller step only when the dynamics require the additional accuracy. Faster simulation speed does not require changing the integrator.

Configuring the universe

"universe": {
  "atmosphere": false,
  "magnetosphere": false,
  "gps": true,
  "cloud_opacity": 0.7,
  "cloud_contrast": 2.5,
  "ambient_light": 0.25
}

Field	Effect
`atmosphere`	Enables atmospheric behavior
`magnetosphere`	Enables magnetic-field behavior
`gps`	Enables the global GPS system
`cloud_opacity`	Controls rendered cloud opacity
`cloud_contrast`	Controls rendered cloud contrast
`ambient_light`	Controls scene ambient illumination

Atmosphere, magnetosphere, and GPS default to false. Enable each one explicitly when a component or task depends on it.

Use gps: false for a globally denied scenario. Use GPS events when denial or spoofing should begin during the exercise or affect a region.

Visual cloud and light settings affect imagery and scene readability. They do not replace spacecraft or environment physics.

Next, define the shared ground network.