# Space Launch Now vs Next Spaceflight

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Next Spaceflight at none against Space Launch Now's 19. Next Spaceflight also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (91% vs 58%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Space Launch Now sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Next Spaceflight asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Space Launch Now against 4.9 for Next Spaceflight. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32K and 27K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 58% of Space Launch Now's written reviews are positive against 91% of Next Spaceflight's.

Space Launch Now ships an update monthly, Next Spaceflight every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Launch Now | Next Spaceflight |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-launch-now/id1399715731/reviews) | **[4.9 (27K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/next-spaceflight/id1448055760/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **32K** | 27K |
| Positive reviews | 58.4% of reviews | **90.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#173** |
| Size | 210 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Caleb Jones](https://appshunter.io/developer/1399715730) | [NASASpaceflight LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699305076) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Launch Now

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-launch-now/id1399715731)

Stay informed about upcoming rocket launches from major space agencies and private companies. Access a comprehensive history of spaceflight, detailed vehicle information, and advanced search capabilities to find specific launches. Enjoy a customizable interface with day/night themes.

**Highlights:** Launch notifications, Spaceflight history, Vehicle details, Advanced search and filters, Day/Night theme

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Access Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Access Annual | $19.99 | per year |
| Super Fan - 2020 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Founder - 2018 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Super Fan - 2021 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Ground Crew - 2020 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Super Fan - 2022 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Super Fan - 2024 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ground Crew - 2022 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Flight Controller - 2020 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Flight Controller - 2022 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Elon? - 2021 | $24.99 | one-time |
| All Access Lifetime | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Keeps users up to date on launches
- 🔍 Detailed launch information
- 🌍 Covers launches worldwide
- 💻 Useful for space enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Notification settings not working as expected
- 🕰️ Countdown timer not in sync with actual launch times
- 🔍 Lack of information on launch purpose/payloads
- 🔁 Repeated notifications for unwanted launches

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when using Starship tab
- Watch live links not working
- Home screen not loading properly
- Countdown timer resetting unexpectedly

**Requested features**

- Add ability to add launches to calendar
- Improve notification filtering by location/agency
- Provide more context on mission details
- Implement a feedback/support channel


### Next Spaceflight

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/next-spaceflight/id1448055760)

**Currently charting:** #173 Top Free · News (US App Store)

Track all orbital rocket launches with a comprehensive schedule, news, and event updates. Explore detailed mission information, 3D simulations, and live countdowns for major space agencies and private companies. Stay informed about Starship activity and access links to live streams.

**Highlights:** Rocket launch schedule, 3D launch simulations, Past launch catalog, Starship activity tracker, Live launch countdowns, Latest space news, Launch pad satellite maps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate launch information
- 🔍 Detailed launch data and history
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface
- 🌍 Covers launches from around the world
- 🔔 Helpful notifications for launches

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional performance issues
- 🔔 Notification settings could be improved
- 🌐 Lacks location-specific launch notifications
- 🔍 Some information could be better organized
- 🔄 Slow to update with the latest launch details

**Reported bugs**

- Favorites filter not working as expected
- Starship section not updating with latest information

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to add launches to calendar
- More customizable notification settings
- Spacecraft/vehicle search functionality
- Integration with Apple Watch for quick updates


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Launch Now free?

Space Launch Now is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Next Spaceflight free?

Next Spaceflight is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Space Launch Now or Next Spaceflight?

Next Spaceflight is rated higher. Space Launch Now averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while Next Spaceflight averages 4.9 from 27K ratings.

### Do Space Launch Now or Next Spaceflight have ads?

Space Launch Now shows ads; Next Spaceflight does not.

### Which is updated more often, Space Launch Now or Next Spaceflight?

Space Launch Now ships an update monthly, and Next Spaceflight every 3 weeks. Most recently, Space Launch Now was updated on September 25, 2026 and Next Spaceflight on September 25, 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.*