# Space Launch Now vs StarCat

The clearest difference is price: Space Launch Now at Free against StarCat's $1.99. Space Launch Now also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (32K vs 1). StarCat's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 19) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Space Launch Now is free to download; StarCat costs $1.99 up front. Space Launch Now sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. StarCat asks for nothing beyond the download.

Space Launch Now holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Space Launch Now has 32K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Space Launch Now ships an update monthly, StarCat every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Launch Now | StarCat |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (32K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-launch-now/id1399715731/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **32K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 58.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#88** | #110 |
| Size | 210 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Caleb Jones](https://appshunter.io/developer/1399715730) | [Hubert Jozwiak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526690991) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Launch Now

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

**Currently charting:** #88 Top Free · News (US App Store)

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


### StarCat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028)

**Currently charting:** #110 Top Paid · News (US App Store)

Stay updated on global rocket launches with real-time information and detailed mission specifics. Receive launch reminders and access a dedicated news section for spaceflight updates. Features Dynamic Island integration for live tracking.

**Highlights:** Live Activity tracking on Dynamic Island, Detailed mission information, Launch reminders and notifications, Spaceflight news section, Starship development updates, Reusable rocket landing info

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Launch Now free?

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

### Is StarCat free?

StarCat costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Space Launch Now or StarCat?

Space Launch Now is rated higher. Space Launch Now averages 4.8 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while StarCat averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Space Launch Now or StarCat have ads?

Space Launch Now shows ads; StarCat does not.

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

Space Launch Now ships an update monthly, and StarCat every 5 weeks. Most recently, Space Launch Now was updated on October 15, 2026 and StarCat on October 2, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Space Launch Now or StarCat?

Space Launch Now currently peaks at #88 in the App Store charts, and StarCat at #110. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*