# Lunar Search and Rescue > Realistic lunar landing and space flight simulator with authentic physics and terrain. (iPhone/iPad app by William Mitchell.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunar-search-and-rescue/id579908458 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [William Mitchell](https://appshunter.io/developer/579908461) - Category: Games, Education, Adventure, Simulation - Price: $1.99 - Rating: 3.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 12 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 84 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2013-07-25 - Data updated: 2026-08-16 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunar-search-and-rescue/id579908458/reviews.md ## What is Lunar Search and Rescue? Warning! This game is hard! Nothing about this simulation has been simplified for the sake of an arcade-game experience. Real spacecraft dynamics don't give you five lives or a second chance when the fuel runs out. Real lunar terrain doesn't make exceptions when you can't kill your descent rate in time. All you have is a tank of fuel, the laws of physics, and the kind of jaw-dropping scenery that so far only the Apollo astronauts have seen with their own eyes. But if you're up for the challenge, then strap in for your new-found career among the elite ranks of Squadron LSAR-1: Lunar Search and Rescue. The year is 2039. On the newly colonised Moon, lander pilots are vital to the growing lunar community. All transport, search & rescue and recovery tasks fall to them. To be a qualified lander pilot needs skill, practice and dedication, but the reward is the opportunity to fly a highly sophisticated aerospace vehicle in a hostile and unforgiving environment. With 6 missions of increasing difficulty, this is a flight simulator with a difference. - The entire surface of the Moon is mapped and rendered. With enough fuel, there's nowhere you can't go - even into orbit! With authentic craters, mountains and valley systems (derived from NASA data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, and a USGS-provided database of lunar geological features) the missions take place among real lunar landmarks such as Tycho Crater, Hadley Rille, and the Apennine Mountains. - The real physics of the lander's movement and dynamics are represented, using the same high fidelity techniques used in real aerospace flight simulators. This includes: varying mass and rotational inertia as fuel is used up, the thrust of the main engines and reaction control rockets, plus all velocities, forces and accelerations acting on the vehicle, just as they would in an airless lunar gravity environment. - An autopilot function is included for covering long distances via a sub-orbital lob, precisely calculated and executed in a way no human pilot could achieve. (Once you get to the mission site however, you're on your own again!) Time acceleration mode gets you there even quicker. - The control layout is based on the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module: Rotational controls on the right, Translational controls on the left, a sliding throttle, and basic instrumentation up front. There is even a navigation interface modelled on the Apollo Guidance Computer. - Comprehensive help screens show all controls and instrumentation within the HUD (Head-Up-Display), including a training flight with on-screen prompts to help you fly the lander. The first mission even begins with the lander in flight, allowing you to get the feel of the craft right from the start. - A demo mode is provided for that first low-fuel landing challenge as well, to show you how it is done. - A ground school element is also included, describing the physics of space flight, including how mass, weight & inertia, in combination with forces, accelerations & velocities, really interact in order to determine how spacecraft can be flown and controlled. (Warning - this part does not hold back on mathematical detail, and includes full equations and numerical examples, so is an optional (but useful) part of the game!) - It takes a while to learn to fly this thing, but once you're proficient you'll have a lot of fun zooming over the lunar landscape at low level, flying down valley systems or through mountain ranges. An "Exploratory Flight" mission is even included, with no stated objective other than to go where you want to go, with the entire surface of the Moon open for sightseeing. Fly to other bases, lunar landmarks, or go to the old Apollo landing sites, and see the hardware they left behind - it's all still there! Most important of all though, have fun! - Data sources: NASA: Terrain data, LRO/LOLA, http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/lola. USGS: Lunar albedo and surface feature data, http://www.usgs.gov ## Key features - Realistic spacecraft dynamics - Fully mapped lunar surface - Authentic craters and mountains - High-fidelity physics simulation - Apollo-inspired control layout - Autopilot and time acceleration - Comprehensive help and training ## Recent user reviews (10 of 12) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lunar-search-and-rescue/id579908458/reviews.md ### 1/5 — Terrible, audio, game play, ground texture...ugh *2017-02-07* It's really bad... I was hoping it would be like lunar lander like on steam.... That one is great.... This one could of been close buts it's just terrible.... The author hasn't been doing anything in the AppStore... Maybe it was a school project, and he has a job or something.. Bye bye. ah well... I want my four bucks back... This game and the sky city skydiving one he made... Both junk but I couldn't test the. Unless I bought the ... Buyer beware ### 4/5 — Love this game *2015-12-06, version 3.2* Great game. Realistic physics and takes an age to master. Better with later iPads that have the processing power to make it smooth. If only there were more missions! ### 2/5 — Needs Some Work *2015-03-26* Disappointed…version 3.1 is out and it doesn't fix the hanging problem. The game is almost unplayable on my iPad Air. Interesting app. Version 3.0 needs some tweaks. The vehicle "Hangs" near the ground…sometime it is speed, sometimes it is the altitude…it just sticks. That makes it harder to land, or work close to the lunar surface, than it would be. If that is the price of the better moonscape, then I would rather go back to the previous version for smooth, controllable "flight". Another issue that needs addressing is that by the time the mission is complete, there isn't enough fuel to return to a base, at least in the missions I have flown so far. Some rescue! How about a version 3.1? Fix these issues and I'll give it more stars. ### 3/5 — So, I just plowed into the side of a mountain at 173 m/s... *2014-07-17* This is certainly an adjustment, and the controls and underlying physics will take some getting used to, but for two bucks it's a decent deal. The tutorial walks you through basic controls, but unfortunately lets you figure out landing on your own - hence this review's title. Bare minimum graphics and sound, but it delivers what it promises - and if the geography is accurate, I'm impressed. If you're a fan of Microsoft Flight Simulator, or even remotely interested in microgravity piloting, go for it - just don't expect to do well right out the gate. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2014-06-03, version 2.1* This has tons of depth and a great flight model. If you are into the Apollo missions it's what you are after. It's not perfect but hopefully updates will come. ### 1/5 — Awful: Waste of Time & Money *2014-03-24* Worst game ever purchased....so bad I deleted even I paid $6. Almost impossible controls which the maker hypes as realistic when in fact they just are poorly programmed. Even the computer autopilot can barely land the craft. ### 4/5 — A great idea needing better execution *2013-11-04, version 2.0* This app is a fantastic idea but is lacking key features for a worthwhile simulation. The main things needed are an option for accelerometer controls using device tilt rather than all controls bieng on touch screen, then it needs multitouch support allowing more than one touch screen control to be pressed simultaneously, ATM you can't pitch up whilst changing throttle etc. needs these control features to make it worth it for me... ### 2/5 — loves to crash *2013-10-31* The imagery is clunky and slow to update, so it doesn't look much like the moon most of the time. The bigger problem is that it crashes every five minutes or so. ### 3/5 — Fun moon flight sim *2013-08-11* Very realistic-feeling Moon simulator. Challenging...but super duper fun nonetheless. The current pricing is probably keeping a lot of people away. I think $2.99 would entice more flight and space sim enthusiasts. Graphics could use an overhaul. I am happy to play a lower-detailed space sim if it 'feels' realistic, but the redraw rates of the moon surface really take away from the experience. The moon surface does not refresh smoothly. The graphics are not optimized for newer iPhones, but the text should be. It is very difficult to read. Would welcome crisp easily-readable text. It is awesome that the terrain is not flat. Some of the most exiting moments have been low-altitude flying where collision warnings have occurred. These have been unexpected surprises. For enthusiasts of games like Orbiter Sim, I recommend giving this a shot. I don't know many sims like this in the app store, and I have found myself coming back for replays simply for the flight experience. Though, I have not been able to successfully land (or complete a mission) yet. Some things that I think would improve the sim: Sound options - I like the ship computer speech while playing, but would love the option of turning it on/off. Also, players should have options to lower/turn off the engine sounds. It is a fantastic engine sfx though. Pause screen - if you accidentally hit the top right 'x' you it stops the game and brings you back to the main menu. It should be a legitimate pause screen with return/replay/menu/settings/sound/ect. Ability to look around - This is the most frustrating aspect of the current game as it feels like flying with blinders and a neckbrace. The player should be able to touch the screen to 'look around'. Exterior view would be great since it is technically 'there'. Allow players to stop autopilot anytime or simply add a time control feature to speed up getting higher altitudes. Allow game to switch position no matter how Which landscape orientation I hold my iphone. It is currently locked in with one position. More ships and HUD options/tools in the future would be great. Would love a map. Some different control layouts would be nice to try. I find the current setup slightly awkward as it feels a little cramped. ### 1/5 — Absolute rubbish *2013-08-06, version 1.0* Rubbish game, rubbish simulator. Total waste of time and money. Not worth the "space" it takes up. BORING..! P.S. Didn't publish my last review, (wonder why..?) ## Frequently asked questions about Lunar Search and Rescue ### What is Lunar Search and Rescue? Lunar Search and Rescue is a challenging flight simulator that recreates the realistic dynamics of spacecraft and lunar terrain. It focuses on the laws of physics rather than arcade-style gameplay, offering an unforgiving but rewarding experience. ### How difficult is Lunar Search and Rescue? The game is described as hard, with no simplified mechanics. It emphasizes real spacecraft dynamics and the unforgiving nature of lunar terrain, requiring skill, practice, and dedication from the player. ### What kind of environments can I explore in Lunar Search and Rescue? The entire surface of the Moon is mapped and rendered with authentic craters, mountains, and valleys derived from NASA data. Missions take place among real lunar landmarks like Tycho Crater and Hadley Rille. ### Does Lunar Search and Rescue have multiplayer? The provided description does not mention any multiplayer features. It appears to be a single-player experience focused on mastering the flight simulation. ### What is the price of Lunar Search and Rescue? Lunar Search and Rescue is available for $1.99. This is a one-time purchase price. ### What devices is Lunar Search and Rescue compatible with? Lunar Search and Rescue is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS. ### How often is Lunar Search and Rescue updated? The game was last updated on July 13, 2023, with version 4.2. This indicates regular updates to maintain and improve the application. ### What is the age rating for Lunar Search and Rescue? Lunar Search and Rescue has an age rating of 4+. This suggests it is suitable for a wide range of players, though the difficulty may be more suited to older children and adults. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 4.2 — 2023-07-13 New ship designs, and new-look graphics for moon base features and mission sites. ### 4.1 — 2023-06-13 New graphics and object designs for various mission locations, including the main base, reactor complex, moon rover, and mining trucks / ore decks. ### 4.0 — 2023-05-17 New lunar terrain, with enhanced detail and resolution. Some controls have been repositioned to accommodate different screen sizes. Also a new landing pad design has been included. ### 3.2 — 2015-04-15 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Bug fix - a glitch in the flight model that caused the lander to "stick" during low speed, low altitude flight has now been fixed. This was associated with the recent terrain update - thanks for your patience, all who reported it. Low speed operations such as landing are now running smoothly. ### 3.1 — 2015-03-24 Bug fixes: - On iPad with retina display, the terrain is no longer pixellated at close range. - On the "Reactor Repair" mission, the correct mission status is now given if the lander is damaged by laser fire but crashes before end of play. ## Apps similar to Lunar Search and Rescue | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Hunter: Beast of Glenkildove](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hunter-beast-of-glenkildove/id6736479170) | 4.7 (6) | $11.99 | Games | | [Space Trek 2150](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-trek-2150/id6738013028) | 4.7 (15) | Free | Games | | [DeanaFleet GO: DIY Spacecraft！](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/deanafleet-go-diy-spacecraft/id6471654767) | 1.0 (1) | Free | Games | | [Cruise Ship Manager Simulator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cruise-ship-manager-simulator/id6457207431) | — | Free | Games | | [Galaxy Genome](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/galaxy-genome/id1566857517) | 4.4 (114) | $3.99 | Games | | [Colossal Cave 3D](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colossal-cave-3d/id6443992938) | 4.2 (33) | Free | Games | ## More apps by William Mitchell - [Sky City Freefall](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sky-city-freefall/id894228771) All apps by William Mitchell: https://appshunter.io/developer/579908461 ## Related topics [lunar search and rescue](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/lunar-search-and-rescue) · [p930 lunar lander](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/p930-lunar-lander) --- *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 2026-08-16.*