Thruster: This tool provides a body element with impulsive boosts during simulation runs (Run mode). To attach a thruster to a body element, click on the body element. You can attach thrusters on up to five body elements.

With the Select tool, you can change the orientation of the thruster by clicking-and-dragging it either clockwise or counterclockwise. You can also use the arrow keys and the Shift key to change a selected thruster's direction:

• Up arrow: The thruster and its impulse point up.
• Right arrow: The thruster and its impulse point right (default orientation).
• Down arrow: The thruster and its impulse point down.
• Left arrow: The thruster and its impulse point left.
• Shift + up arrow: The thruster rotates one rotation step (set in the Properties Box; the default value is 10º) counterclockwise.
• Shift + down arrow: The thruster rotates one rotation step clockwise.

Finally, you can set the thruster's direction (in degrees) directly in the thrusters's Properties Box.

In Run mode, you can rotate a selected thruster using the Shift + arrow key combinations listed above, but using the arrow keys alone has no effect.

To activate a thruster during Run mode, hold down the Space Bar for the duration of the thrust (impulse). If the turn on for set time box is checked in the thruster's Properties Box, you only need to tap the Space Bar to turn on the thruster for a duration that is also set in the Properties Box (default is one second). If the constant thrust box is checked, the thruster operates throughout Run mode without the need for manula activation. You set the strength of the thrust in the Properties Box. (default is 50 N).

In the Properties Box, you can also choose a label for the thrust (default is Thruster) and opt to show the label in the Force Diagram window.