hey, guys I want to create an application that has a 3D display. I want all the planets in it. Then the next step is I want to have satellites in it as well. I want to provide an interface to add satellites etc.
Off course this will include 3D designing and it will be more like a game.
I want to know what are the things I need to know to make this.. you know, give me like a list: 3D modeling, OpenGL etc.
Direct 3D (it is better if you want to have your app running on Win, will avoid a lot of issues with OGL) 3D Math\Geometry (Matrices, etc.)
If that will be only planets, then you can use built in shapes, like sphere. If you will have space ships, or anything else, then you should look into 3d editors, like Milkshape 3D(good for beginners), 3ds max or Maya for complex models, or Blender.
That's it for beginning.