# Moon Mission Explorer Simulator vs Space Shuttle AR

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Space Shuttle AR at 78% against Moon Mission Explorer Simulator's 16%. Space Shuttle AR also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Moon Mission Explorer Simulator's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Moon Mission Explorer Simulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Space Shuttle AR asks for nothing beyond the download.

Space Shuttle AR holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 262 and 1.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 16% of Moon Mission Explorer Simulator's written reviews are positive against 78% of Space Shuttle AR's.

Moon Mission Explorer Simulator ships an update fortnightly, Space Shuttle AR every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Moon Mission Explorer Simulator | Space Shuttle AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (262 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-mission-explorer-simulator/id1138690068/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-shuttle-ar/id1289002724/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 262 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 15.6% of reviews | **78.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 98 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [App Holdings](https://appshunter.io/developer/808581339) | [Noriaki Murao](https://appshunter.io/developer/1289002723) |

## What reviewers say

### Moon Mission Explorer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-mission-explorer-simulator/id1138690068)

Embark on an outer space adventure as a NASA astronaut exploring the lunar surface. Drive a rover, search for aliens and artifacts, and repair your spaceship to return home with alien technology.

**Highlights:** Drive Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), Locate and catch aliens, Search moon caves and crevasses, Find alien artifacts, Repair spaceship, Investigate lunar disaster

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and engaging gameplay mechanics
- 🌙 Interesting space/moon exploration theme
- 👽 Unique alien encounter mechanics
- 🎨 Good visual details (Earth view, game preview)
- ⏱️ Oxygen system creates survival tension

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constant crashing and forced app closure
- ❌ Game unplayable on iPad despite compatibility claims
- 📱 Frequent crashes on iOS devices
- ⚠️ Game kicks users out immediately upon launch
- 🚶 Extremely slow character movement speed

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes immediately at splash screen or launch
- Game kicks users out to home screen upon opening
- Black screen appears then returns to home screen
- App fails to open on iPad Pro with specific iOS versions
- Game incompatible with iOS 16.1.1 and similar versions

**Requested features**

- Add comprehensive in-game instructions and tutorials
- Implement easy landing stage before exploration
- Replace space shuttle with lunar excursion module for accuracy
- Add more missions and extended gameplay content
- Reduce or implement optional advertisement system


### Space Shuttle AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-shuttle-ar/id1289002724)

Experience the Space Shuttle's return through augmented reality. As the launch director, guide the shuttle from launch to a safe docking with the International Space Station. Witness realistic smoke, fire, and engine separation in your own environment.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality (AR) experience, Launch director role, Space Shuttle launch simulation, Docking with International Space Station, Realistic smoke and fire effects, Booster and fuel tank separation, Multiple viewing angles

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Realistic space shuttle simulation
- 👍 Stunning graphics and visuals
- 🎉 Engaging and educational experience
- 💡 Innovative use of AR technology

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Placement and launch issues on some devices
- 🔍 Limited control and customization options
- ⏱️ Short gameplay duration

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing on launch
- Inability to place the shuttle on flat surfaces

**Requested features**

- Add more rockets and spacecraft to launch
- Allow users to build and customize their own rockets
- Implement a re-entry and landing sequence
- Provide more background options (e.g., stars, planets)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Moon Mission Explorer Simulator free?

Moon Mission Explorer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Space Shuttle AR free?

Space Shuttle AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Moon Mission Explorer Simulator or Space Shuttle AR?

Space Shuttle AR is rated higher. Moon Mission Explorer Simulator averages 2.5 out of 5 from 262 ratings, while Space Shuttle AR averages 4.7 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Moon Mission Explorer Simulator or Space Shuttle AR have ads?

Neither Moon Mission Explorer Simulator nor Space Shuttle AR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Moon Mission Explorer Simulator or Space Shuttle AR?

Moon Mission Explorer Simulator ships an update fortnightly, and Space Shuttle AR every 5 months. Most recently, Moon Mission Explorer Simulator was updated on October 26, 2026 and Space Shuttle AR on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*