# Dsky > Apollo Guidance Computer DSKY simulator for iPad with real-world navigation capabilities. (iPhone/iPad app by AirSpayce.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsky/id567387896 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [AirSpayce](https://appshunter.io/developer/564666685) - Category: Navigation, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.60/5 from 11 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 9 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2012-10-10 - Data updated: 2026-06-05 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsky/id567387896/reviews.md ## What is Dsky? Description Tap on the 'i' icon lower right for help on using Dsky. Dsky is the Apollo Guidance Computer DSKY simulator for iPad. Dsky simulates the look and feel of the original Apollo DSKY keyboard and user interface used by the Apollo astronauts to navigate to the moon and back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Dsky is a photo-realistic simulation, based on actual photographs of original Apollo DSKY hardware, realistically animated for the iPad to be as close as possible to the real thing. The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) and DSKY user interface were installed in every Apollo Command Module (CM) and Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) that flew in the Apollo program. They were used to navigate and control the spacecraft in all phases of flight. The AGC and DSKY were designed and programmed by MIT for NASA, and although they were among the most advanced electronics of their time, the DSKY user interface was necessarily limited and simple. Now you can use this exact same interface to do your own navigation! Its harder than using a Tom-Tom, but you know, this actually is rocket science. And its free! Although you can’t use Dsky to maneouvre your LEM or land on the moon, you can use it for some real-world down-to-earth applications: Current GPS Latitude, Longitude and Altitude Current attitude using the iPad acccelerometers. Distance-to-go, time and velocity, using the iPad internal GPS. A subset of the original DSKY verbs and nouns is faithfully implemented, allowing you to program and use the Dsky just like the Apollo astronauts did. Unlike the original DSKY, you can configure Dsky to use your own choice of units: Meters, Nautical Miles or Statute Miles. See the iPad Settings page. A comprehensive help page and usage instructions is included (look for the little ‘i’ at the bottom right of Dsky). ## Key features - Photo-realistic DSKY interface simulation - Uses iPad GPS for latitude, longitude, altitude - Utilizes iPad accelerometers for attitude - Subset of original DSKY verbs and nouns - Configurable units (meters, nautical miles, statute miles) - Includes help page and usage instructions ## Recent user reviews (7 of 7) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dsky/id567387896/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Fun to play with *2018-03-05* This is fun to play with. Remember to enable location services for the app to get it to display GPS data. The attitude data seems pretty random. ### 5/5 — No longer accepts GPS input *2018-01-29* The app no longer accepts GPS input since the latest update. New update fixed the gps problem, it works again! Thanks! ### 4/5 — This a very interesting Sim! kodos to the developer! *2014-01-06* Just renewed my interest in the space program. ### 5/5 — Educational and useful *2013-11-27* This app gave me a lot of respect for the engineers that put the Apollo Guidance Computer together. I never really grasped how impressive the thing was until I fiddled around with this. In addition, it's a pretty handy no-frills app for quickly figuring out my lat/long/alt or figuring out exactly how long a drive to somewhere is. Doesn't do everything the real AGC could (only a few nouns, no programs), but, given the iPad's lack of landing radar or ability to fly, I wasn't exactly expecting it to. Automated burns are kind of hard without, you know, a rocket. ### 4/5 — Interesting *2013-06-06* A cool simulator of old school computing, and in this case, of great historic significance. Wiki notes that the DSKY is a machine so simple (compared to modern machinery) that it is possible to understand every aspect of its hardware components, hardware and programming. That alone makes it worth studying. Lack of animation of the back lit indicators lets it down. Needs edge glow and that tiny amount of fade-in fade-out that happens with real analog lighting. I could not find a complete list of the valid input codes. Not an app to use every day, but for the price, definately worth a look. The development of apps like this is to be encouraged. ### 3/5 — Crashy for New Users — Intentional? *2013-06-06* Punching in random verbs and nouns crashes the app, which is not a good sign for new users. Is this intentional? (Example: Verb 77, Noun 99, Enter, CRASH!). I'll update this review after doing more than jumping in blind. ### 5/5 — Quality app *2013-05-24* Great bit of history on the iPad ## Frequently asked questions about Dsky ### What is Dsky? Dsky is a photo-realistic simulator of the Apollo Guidance Computer's DSKY interface for iPad. It allows users to interact with a replica of the system used by Apollo astronauts for navigation. ### Can Dsky actually fly a spacecraft? No, Dsky is a simulator and cannot maneuver spacecraft or land on the moon. It is designed for educational and experiential purposes, replicating the interface and some basic functions. ### What real-world data can Dsky use? Dsky can utilize your iPad's internal GPS to display current latitude, longitude, and altitude. It also uses accelerometers to show your current attitude. ### Does Dsky have ads? No, Dsky is ad-free. The application does not contain any advertisements, providing an uninterrupted user experience. ### What units can Dsky display? Unlike the original DSKY, Dsky can be configured to display data in your preferred units: meters, nautical miles, or statute miles. This setting can be found on the iPad Settings page. ### Is Dsky available on other devices besides iPad? Based on the provided information, Dsky is specifically designed for and supported on iPads only. It is not available for other mobile platforms. ### How often is Dsky updated? Dsky was last updated on January 19, 2018, with version 1.3. The release date was October 10, 2012, indicating it is a mature application. ### What is the age rating for Dsky? Dsky has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for a wide range of users, including children, due to its educational and non-violent nature. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 1.3 — 2018-01-19 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Permit use of GPS under iOS 11 ### 1.2 — 2017-10-02 Support iOS 11 Minor help edits ### 1.1 — 2012-10-10 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Dsky | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Simrad: Companion for Boaters](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simrad-companion-for-boaters/id1476822749) | 4.6 (2,002) | Free | Navigation | | [Rome Travel Guide .](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rome-travel-guide/id452025333) | 4.8 (217) | Free | Navigation | | [Paris Vélo](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/paris-velo/id1508088872) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Navigation | | [Aero App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aero-app/id1206560691) | 3.4 (39) | Free | Navigation | | [My Altitude and Elevation GPS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-altitude-and-elevation-gps/id1335951224) | 4.7 (85) | Free | Navigation | | [OzRunways EFB](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ozrunways-efb/id404403989) | 4.8 (144) | Free | Navigation | ## More apps by AirSpayce - [RCTx](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rctx/id567423127) - [iBal Rotary](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibal-rotary/id567642367) - [iBal Fixed](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ibal-fixed/id1056428147) All apps by AirSpayce: https://appshunter.io/developer/564666685 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-05.*