# NASA HIAD > Spacecraft re-entry simulation game focused on inflatable aerodynamic decelerators. (iPhone/iPad app by NASA.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-hiad/id534511367 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) - Category: Education, Games - Price: Free - Rating: 4.40/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 21 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 5.1.1 · 25 MB - Languages: American English, Czech, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, European Portuguese and 6 more - Released: 2012-07-07 - Data updated: 2026-08-16 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-hiad/id534511367/reviews.md ## What is NASA HIAD? A giant cone of inner tubes stacked together may someday help cargo, or even people, land on another planet or return to Earth. NASA calls the spacecraft technology HIAD - Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator. Learn the challenges NASA faces as it works to develop an inflatable spacecraft. Choose the right shape, materials and trajectory to use a HIAD to bring cargo back from space. To successfully guide an inflatable spacecraft through the super heat of atmospheric re-entry requires the right stuff. If you inflate too early, your shape is incorrect or your material isn’t strong enough - you burn up. And if you get all that right and miss the target the mission is a bust. Try your hand at landing a HIAD and become a rocket scientist. Advance through all stages at each of the four levels, collecting up to three stars for each successful landing. The HIAD game challenges players to successfully land a HIAD after launching from the International Space Station and arriving at a target ground point on Earth. To successfully reach the target, players must: •Undock from the ISS and use thruster control to steer the spacecraft towards the desired de-orbit point •Inflate the HIAD aeroshell to reduce velocity and protect the payload from the heat of atmospheric re-entry •Steer the inflated HIAD to the ground target prior to parachute deployment, taking into account the prevailing winds •Customize the HIAD vehicle to achieve different performance characteristics to improve results FEATURES •Multiple spacecraft configurations and options •Speed and trajectory controls •In-game introduction •Four levels of engineering mastery •Locked levels •Scoring for each level •Help section •Links to related website ## Key features - Spacecraft re-entry simulation - Inflatable aerodynamic decelerator mechanics - Trajectory and speed control - Vehicle customization - Four levels of engineering challenges - Star-based scoring system ## Recent user reviews (10 of 21) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-hiad/id534511367/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Fun *2025-02-09* Actually pretty fun. Don’t listen to the haters. ### 5/5 — Addicting HIAD *2021-11-09* The game itself is good, no lagging and plus the music is way to addicting and i started to play it more often THANKS NASA ### 5/5 — Good nasa *2019-09-03* It’s a good game nothing was wrong so I give it a 5 star ### 1/5 — SERIOUSLY? *2015-09-16* My freind and i tried to download this game and the screen Was totally all Black NOT COOLIO! Hope you win the lottery! ### 1/5 — Doesn't even open *2015-08-16* The app doesn't even open ### 5/5 — Addictive and fun to learn *2015-05-30* Enjoying the game ### 1/5 — Bad *2015-05-29* Bbbaddd ### 1/5 — Fix *2015-02-07* Every time I open the app it blacks out I really wanna play the game ### 2/5 — Looks cool but doesn't work *2014-12-05* As far as I can tell it doesn't work on iPhone 6 plus, or iPhone 6. ### 1/5 — Just awful *2014-07-27* Even pong is better than this ## Frequently asked questions about NASA HIAD ### What is NASA HIAD? NASA HIAD is an educational game that simulates the challenges of landing an inflatable spacecraft, known as a Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD), back on Earth. ### How does NASA HIAD teach about space exploration? The game allows players to learn about the critical factors in spacecraft re-entry, including shape, materials, and trajectory, by actively making decisions to ensure a successful landing. ### What are the learning objectives of NASA HIAD? Players learn about the engineering challenges NASA faces in developing inflatable spacecraft, the importance of precise control during atmospheric re-entry, and the complexities of mission targeting. ### Can I play NASA HIAD offline? The provided data does not specify offline play capabilities. However, as an educational simulation game, it is likely to function without a constant internet connection once downloaded. ### What devices support NASA HIAD? NASA HIAD is supported on iPhone and iPad devices, as indicated by its compatibility with iOS. ### How often is NASA HIAD updated? The app was last updated on December 14, 2015, with version 1.5. This suggests infrequent updates, but the core educational content remains relevant. ### What is the age rating for NASA HIAD? NASA HIAD has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of young learners and enthusiasts interested in space. ### Does NASA HIAD have ads? No, NASA HIAD does not contain advertisements. It is a free application from NASA designed for educational purposes. ## Version history (last 4 releases) ### 1.5 — 2015-12-14 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Update for iOS 8 and iOS 9 ### 1.4 — 2012-11-27 This version is an update/patch to correct issues due to iOS 6 release. ### 1.1 — 2012-07-31 Icon name changed ### 1.0 — 2012-07-07 No release notes. ## Apps similar to NASA HIAD | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [PlanetenSpielundApp2b](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planetenspielundapp2b/id1494749871) | 3.5 (2) | Free | Education | | [Saturn: Cassini](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/saturn-cassini/id1567740684) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Education | | [ArtemisTrack](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/artemistrack/id6761511109) | 5.0 (4) | Free | Education | | [Space! – daily photos](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-daily-photos/id1536864924) | 4.7 (26) | Free | Education | | [Mars Info Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mars-info-lite/id1093071808) | 4.4 (200) | Free | Education | | [Orbital Simulator: Explorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732) | 5.0 (5) | Free | Education | ## More apps by NASA - [NASA](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa/id334325516) - [NASA Visualization Explorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-visualization-explorer/id448700202) - [Ascent: Commemorating Shuttle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ascent-commemorating-shuttle/id473973416) - [Space365](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space365/id543989186) - [NASA Glenn Research Center: The Early Years](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-glenn-research-center-the-early-years/id562903295) All apps by NASA: https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146 ## Related topics [hypersonix](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/hypersonix) --- *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.*