Comparison

Copernicus Sentinel vs ISS Explorer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Copernicus Sentinel

Explore and track Earth observation satellites in real-time. Discover satellite details, view 3D models, and receive notifications for overhead passes. Stay updated on the latest news and products from this space observation program.

Highlights
  • Real-time satellite tracking
  • Detailed 3D satellite models
  • Overhead pass notifications
  • Latest news and product updates
  • Historical data transmission visualization
  • Interactive 3D globe exploration
Features
Read full description

The Sentinel App is a gateway to knowing the Copernicus Sentinel satellites. It lets users track the satellites in real-time, discover their key elements, read the latest news and learn more about their products. Users can, among other things, explore detailed 3D models of the satellites, see the last and next time they have been and will be over the user's location, move the satellites to the time of the last data transmission and smoothly move them back to their current location over the 3D globe. Notifications can also be set to be warned when the satellites are flying by. ESA is developing a series of next-generation Earth observation missions, on behalf of the joint ESA/European Commission initiative Copernicus (previously GMES - Global Monitoring for Environment and Security). The goal of the program is to replace current and older Earth observation missions, such as ERS and Envisat, which have reached or are close to reaching the end of their operational life span. This will ensure a continuity of data so that there are no gaps in ongoing studies. Each mission will focus on a different aspect of Earth observation, such as Atmospheric, Oceanic or Land monitoring, and the data will be of use in many applications.

About

ISS Explorer

Explore a detailed 3D model of the International Space Station. Rotate, zoom, and select individual components to learn about their function and systems. Organize your view by turning parts and labels on or off.

Highlights
  • Interactive 3D ISS model
  • Rotate and zoom functionality
  • Selectable parts with isolation
  • Detailed information on components
  • Hierarchical part organization
  • Toggle parts and labels
Features
Read full description

The ISS explorer is an interactive tool for exploring the parts and pieces of the International Space Station (ISS). The application allows the user to view a 3D model of the ISS, rotate it, zoom into it, and select different parts and pieces. When the application starts, you can see a view of the entire ISS with category labels. Tabs are available on the left hand side of the screen which allow you access to information, the hierarchy, settings and application information. From this point, you can zoom into the station, revealing more labels of visible parts. The station can also be rotated to view from different angles. If a part is selected, the part is isolated so that you can focus on the specific piece. The information tab shows information about the currently isolated part. Inside the hierarchy tab, you can turn parts on or off, turn labels for parts on or off, turn parts transparent, or select a part to focus on. The parts are organized in a hierarchy to allow for systems to be described and displayed. This includes things such as truss, modules, and external platforms. The Information tab shows information about the current isolated part, system, or the full ISS if the entire station is shown.

Screenshots

Copernicus Sentinel4 screens
ISS Explorer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ISS Explorer at 100% against Copernicus Sentinel's 14%. ISS Explorer also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.3). Copernicus Sentinel's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 10 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ISS Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Copernicus Sentinel's written reviews are positive against 100% of ISS Explorer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Copernicus Sentinel ships an update every 2 months, ISS Explorer every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Copernicus Sentinel versus ISS Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCopernicus SentinelISS Explorer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (18 ratings)4.9 (16 ratings) — better
Positive reviews14.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings18 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 10 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB747 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperESA - European Space AgencyNASA

Customer experience

Copernicus Sentinel

All ratings18 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews14 reviews
Positive14.3%
Neutral7.1%
Negative78.6%

ISS Explorer

All ratings16 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Copernicus Sentinel

No in-app purchases

None

ISS Explorer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Copernicus Sentinel free?
Copernicus Sentinel is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ISS Explorer free?
ISS Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Copernicus Sentinel or ISS Explorer?
ISS Explorer is rated higher. Copernicus Sentinel averages 4.3 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while ISS Explorer averages 4.9 from 16 ratings.
Do Copernicus Sentinel or ISS Explorer have ads?
Neither Copernicus Sentinel nor ISS Explorer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Copernicus Sentinel or ISS Explorer?
Copernicus Sentinel ships an update every 2 months, and ISS Explorer every 10 months. Most recently, Copernicus Sentinel was updated on September 14, 2026 and ISS Explorer on September 7, 2026.

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