Comparison

ISS Explorer vs ESA aeolus

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

Head to head
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.

About

ESA aeolus

Features
Read full description

This application is a gateway to knowing what the ESA Aeolus mission is about, how it works and what the elements of the space and ground segment that makes this mission unique are. It includes also a dedicated section that allows one to discover and visualize real ESA Aeolus measurements over our planet: a remarkable tool for students and scientists engaged in using Aeolus products or interested in satellite engineering. Features: - Description of the ESA Aeolus mission: space and ground segment - Large selection of photos and videos on a wide range of topics related to Aeolus - Latest mission operations news - Striking Aeolus 3D model with explanations of the different platform and payload elements - World map with orbit position of the ESA satellite - Satellite visibility over selected ground stations and local position - Automatic update of the Aeolus orbit - Impressive visualization of real Aeolus measurements over the Earth with vertical profiles and easy geographical localization - Access to several geophysical parameters measured by the satellite … and much more In the 3D environment: - swipe/pinch to rotate/zoom the scene or the satellite model - triple touch to reset position

Screenshots

ISS Explorer4 screens
ESA aeolus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ESA aeolus at every 4 months against ISS Explorer's every 10 months. ESA aeolus also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ISS Explorer ships an update every 10 months, ESA aeolus every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
ISS Explorer versus ESA aeolus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterISS ExplorerESA aeolus
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (16 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings16 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 4 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.010.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size747 MB152 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNASAESA - European Space Agency

In-app purchases

None

ISS Explorer

No in-app purchases

None

ESA aeolus

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ISS Explorer free?
ISS Explorer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ESA aeolus free?
ESA aeolus is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ISS Explorer or ESA aeolus have ads?
Neither ISS Explorer nor ESA aeolus shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ISS Explorer or ESA aeolus?
ISS Explorer ships an update every 10 months, and ESA aeolus every 4 months. Most recently, ISS Explorer was updated on October 13, 2026 and ESA aeolus on October 18, 2026.

Other comparisons