direct3d - OpenGL for space simulators -

With this few friends we have launched this amateur platform-independent Java based project for a space war simulator game (for a long time ) Started the dead saga of Wing Commander). None of us is a 3D programmer, so the road will be for a long time.

My question is whether at our place you will start learning OpenGL (perhaps through GLUT) or today is a better prospect? What about Direct 3D? Can you tell that any books?

Dave Shiner's OpenGL Programming Guide

The OpenGL Game Programming of Luke Benzsted

Thanks: -)

Consider using or using an open source 3D engine. In this way you can focus on creating a game: content, gameplay

Both engines define an abstract layer which can map direct 3D or OpenGL backends.

EDIT: Firstly I notice 'you mentioned Java, both the engines support Java binding anyway.