Comparison

Spacecraft AR vs ISS ExplorAR

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

Head to head
About

Spacecraft AR

Explore the solar system with interactive 3D models of NASA spacecraft. View them in augmented reality, scaled to your environment, and learn about their missions. Perfect for aspiring astronauts, educators, and space lovers.

Highlights
  • Interactive 3D spacecraft models
  • Augmented reality viewing
  • True-to-life and adjustable scaling
  • Detailed mission information
  • In-app camera functionality
  • Explore Earth, Mars, and beyond
Features
Read full description

Created by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this stunning educational app uses native mobile augmented reality to bring spacecraft explorers from across the solar system to whatever space you’re in. Find a flat surface and view interactive 3D models right in front of you, scaled to table-top size or in their true-to-life proportions. Take pics with the spacecraft in your favorite environments, and explore detailed info about their fascinating missions. This tool is excellent for budding astronauts, teachers, and space enthusiasts. Bring NASA’s journey of exploration to life in the classroom, home, or anywhere. Features: Interact with 3D spacecraft models of the Curiosity rover, Mars Exploration Rover (Spirit/Opportunity), InSightSMAP, Voyager, Juno, and Cassini, the 70-Meter Deep Space Network Antenna and more. Learn about missions that explore Earth, Mars, and beyond True-to-life and adjustable size interaction In-depth information about each space mission Camera functionality

About

ISS ExplorAR

Explore the International Space Station in stunning detail using augmented reality. Walk around the exterior or go inside to experience the astronaut's perspective, with interactive modules and informative videos. A 3D mode offers an alternative navigation experience.

Highlights
  • Augmented Reality (AR) exploration
  • Detailed 3D ISS model
  • Interactive module information
  • In-station astronaut POV experience
  • Non-AR 3D navigation mode
  • VR Cupola view
  • Spacewalk simulation
Read full description

Explore the exterior and interior of the International Space Station in detail with Augmented Reality technology. Walkable AR Exploration Using Simultaneous Localization & Mapping (SLAM) augmented reality technology, the user will be able to place a realistic 3D model of the International Space Station on any nearby surface in their reality. By moving the device around in the AR Mode, the user can observe the exterior of the ISS in detail, including the information about each module. Go inside the 3D interior to experience the point of view of the astronauts themselves. Approach each apparatus inside the station to watch helpful videos and know more about it. Via the mini map available, the user will also able to jump to different modules. Thumb-Friendly Navigation in Non-AR 3D Mode For users who prefer non-AR mode, the ISS ExplorAR provides the 3D Mode in which the ISS interior is possible to explore by using a two-thumb friendly navigation system on screen. The user’s left thumb will control the directional button, whilst the right button will control the camera movement for an immersive experience. Cupola in VR & the Spacewalk Experience In the 3D non-AR mode, the user can find 2 ‘hidden features’ by visiting the right module. Approach the hidden icons for a spacewalk experience and enjoy the beautiful view of our planet in virtual reality in the Cupola.

Screenshots

Spacecraft AR4 screens
ISS ExplorAR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ISS ExplorAR at 100% against Spacecraft AR's 53%. ISS ExplorAR also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.1) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). Spacecraft AR's advantage is ratings volume (25 vs 3). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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 ExplorAR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spacecraft AR has 25 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of Spacecraft AR's written reviews are positive against 100% of ISS ExplorAR's.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Spacecraft AR versus ISS ExplorAR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSpacecraft ARISS ExplorAR
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.1 (25 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews53.3% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings25 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 7 months—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size160 MB633 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJet Propulsion LaboratoryOctagon Studio Ltd

Customer experience

Spacecraft AR

All ratings25 ratings
Positive48.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative44.0%
Written reviews15 reviews
Positive53.3%
Neutral13.3%
Negative33.3%

ISS ExplorAR

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Spacecraft AR

No in-app purchases

None

ISS ExplorAR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Spacecraft AR free?
Spacecraft AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ISS ExplorAR free?
ISS ExplorAR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Spacecraft AR or ISS ExplorAR?
ISS ExplorAR is rated higher. Spacecraft AR averages 3.1 out of 5 from 25 ratings, while ISS ExplorAR averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Spacecraft AR or ISS ExplorAR have ads?
Neither Spacecraft AR nor ISS ExplorAR shows ads.

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