# Space Station Research Xplorer

> Explore International Space Station experiments, facilities, and research benefits. (iPhone/iPad app by NASA.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-station-research-xplorer/id934070569 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146)
- Category: Education, News
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 7 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 151 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-11-06
- Data updated: 2026-08-16
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-station-research-xplorer/id934070569/reviews.md

## What is Space Station Research Xplorer?

Explore the diverse ecosystem of experiments being researched on the International Space Station – both completed and ongoing. Investigate the results and benefits of many of the experiments and find out why performing research in a microgravity environment is so important. The Space Station Research Explorer provides current information on ISS experiments, facilities and research results through video, photos, interactive media, and in-depth descriptions.
The Experiments section provides access to the six main experiment categories and their subcategories. Experiments are depicted as dots within the category system and the stems connecting the dots to the system depict the length of time the experiment spent on orbit. Users can drill down to see specific experiments within the categories and subcategories or search for a specific experiment or subject using the search option. Experiment descriptions consist of links, images, and publications if available. The Experiments section can be further narrowed by selecting a specific expedition and sponsor by using the dials at the top right of the screen.  Experiments can be added to a favorites list for quick access.

The Lab Tour section provides an interior view of three of the station modules; Columbus, Kibo, and Destiny, and an exterior view of seven external facilities; ELC1-4, Columbus-EPF, JEM-EF and AMS. The module interiors can be navigated by dragging up and down to see different sides of the module and left and right to view any racks not shown on the screen. Tapping a rack gives a brief description of the rack and an experiment description if available.  For the externals, the platform is shown and can be rotated and zoomed.  Payloads on the external racks are labeled and the labels can be selected for more information.

The Facilities section provides information on all of the facilities available on board the International Space Station that can be used to conduct experiments.  The facilities are broken up into six categories:  Physical Science, Human Research, Biology and Biology and Biotechnology, Earth and Space Science, Multipurpose, and Technology Development and Demonstration.  These include facilities such as centrifuges, additive manufacturing facility and glove boxes.

The Benefits section provides information about the microgravity laboratory highlighting groundbreaking discoveries helping society, technologies tested for future space exploration, new scientific breakthroughs, and contributions to the growing low-Earth orbit (LEO) economy.

The Media section provides links to science-related videos.

The Links section is an index of space station research sites and NASA applications.

## Key features

- Browse ISS experiments by category
- View experiment results and benefits
- Interactive lab and facility tours
- Search for specific experiments
- Add experiments to favorites
- Access science-related videos

## Recent user reviews (7 of 7)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-station-research-xplorer/id934070569/reviews.md

### 5/5 — 🔥🏆🚀🌌🔭

*2021-05-25*

💯

### 5/5 — Great App

*2017-05-11*

First off,  SSRE is great for the general public to get a better understanding of the work aboard the ISS and even a great tool for people who work under NASA (myself) to use to better understand layout of station for ops.  I did notice that ELC 2 and ELC 4 need to be swapped on the facilities page to match stations configuration.  Other than that I love the app and that you can spin the items around to get a better understanding of the equipment.

### 5/5 — Excellent educational tool for everyone of all ages

*2017-05-05*

This app is super useful to learn about the International Space Station. Has tons of robust interactive information about it and how it works. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to teach about it or just to learn.

### 5/5 — Bigger screens help

*2015-09-02*

This is really the best app I've ever seen to access a huge amount of information.  It is a lot easier on a huge phone or iPad.

### 5/5 — Fascinating

*2015-04-12*

Great way to see why the space station is important to each of us.

### 5/5 — Great,informative app! Well done

*2014-12-04*

Want to know about what goes on? I found this app easy to navigate, very informative,looking forward to seeing the results! Great app,well done!

### 5/5 — Need info on ISS research? This is your app.

*2014-11-20*

Very complete and in-depth app. Gives you information on every experiment that's been on ISS, past & present. Also a neat little ball throwing game. Thanks, NASA!

## Frequently asked questions about Space Station Research Xplorer

### What kind of educational content does Space Station Research Xplorer offer?

Space Station Research Xplorer provides in-depth information on experiments conducted on the International Space Station, covering various scientific disciplines. It includes details on research results, benefits of microgravity, and interactive tours of the station's modules and external facilities.

### How does Space Station Research Xplorer track user progress or learning?

The app allows users to add experiments to a favorites list for quick access, aiding in personalized learning paths. While it doesn't offer formal progress tracking or certifications, it provides a rich repository of information for self-directed learning.

### Is Space Station Research Xplorer suitable for younger audiences?

With an age rating of 4+, Space Station Research Xplorer is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. The app's visual content and interactive elements can engage younger learners interested in space science.

### Does Space Station Research Xplorer offer offline access to its content?

The provided data does not specify whether Space Station Research Xplorer offers offline access. Users may need an internet connection to access all features and content, especially videos and interactive media.

### How frequently is Space Station Research Xplorer updated?

The latest version of Space Station Research Xplorer is 26.2.4, last updated on March 3, 2026. This indicates a commitment to keeping the app's information current and functional.

### What devices are compatible with Space Station Research Xplorer?

Space Station Research Xplorer is compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPods, making it accessible to a wide range of Apple users interested in space exploration.

### Does Space Station Research Xplorer have ads?

No, Space Station Research Xplorer does not contain advertisements. As a free application developed by NASA, it provides an ad-free experience for users.

### Can I search for specific experiments or subjects within Space Station Research Xplorer?

Yes, Space Station Research Xplorer features a search option that allows users to find specific experiments or subjects of interest. This enhances the ability to quickly locate desired information within the extensive database.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 26.6.2 — 2026-07-01

- Updated the Experiments and Facilities data
- Added JEMEF, ELC1, and ColumbusEPF 3D models to LabTour
- Introduced global text scaling, an animated search spinner, and routed social links to mobile sites
- Optimized the search functionality and improved video list loading performance
- Resolved UI layout glitches, fixed text formatting bugs, and updated the network validation logic

### 26.2.4 — 2026-03-03

- Upgraded to Unity 6.3.10.
- Updated Experiments and Facilities databases.
- Transitioned LabTour and InfoWindow elements from NGUI to UGUI
- Improved Safe Area support
- Fixed web link routing, corrected typos, and improved network detection to prevent freezes.
- Fixed ImageViewer display bugs, optimized icon quality, and refined menu layouts and scrolling.

### 25.11.0 — 2025-12-10

- Update Experiments and Facilities database 
- Update to Unity 6.2.12 
- Update models in LabTour scene 
- Adjusted on-screen keyboard detection

### 25.7.2 — 2025-08-08

- Updated Experiments and Facilities database
- Fixed bug that caused notifications to get stuck on screen
- Fixed bottom left NASA logo to match style guide
- Fixed a bug with width calculation in Media scene
- Updated URLs in Links and Media scenes
- Centered Benefits and Results title text

### 25.5.2 — 2025-06-27

- Updated to Unity 6.0.50
- Updated database
- Removed duplicate URLs from each entry
- Adjusted EULA and title bars in Benefits
- Fixed bugs with tutorial behavior
- Fixed bugs while using the information dialog
- Fixed email link in the settings dialog
- Fixed Experiment names to avoid word wrap
- Fixed notification visibility duration
- Search/Favorites:
  - Results cleared when phrase deleted
  - Retain results when possible
  - Refresh when favorites changed
  - Fixed results width

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All apps by NASA: https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146

## Related topics

[space station research xplorer](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/space-station-research-xplorer) · [nasa space station](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nasa-space-station) · [built by science](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/built-by-science)

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*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.*