ISS ExplorAR vs Space Station Passes
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
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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.
Space Station Passes
This app predicts when the International Space Station and Tiangong will pass over your location. It offers detailed sky charts, timely notifications, and a night mode for optimal viewing. Track over 4000 satellites with real-time sky views.
- Satellite pass prediction
- Interactive sky chart
- Customizable notifications
- Night mode
- Real-time satellite tracking
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Know when to look up—and where to look. Space Station Passes helps you spot the International Space Station, Tiangong, and other satellites from your chosen location. Plan your next observation with pass forecasts, interactive sky charts, and reminders. • Find your next visible pass: See upcoming passes, their timing, and how high each satellite will appear above the horizon. • Follow the path across the sky: Explore interactive charts with stars, constellations, the Milky Way, and the Moon. • Know the key moments: Check when a satellite rises, reaches its highest visible point, and disappears from view. • Set a reminder: Schedule an alert for the pass you want to watch. • Explore beyond the space stations: Browse thousands of satellites, including bright satellites and recent launches. Explore the live planetarium in the Sky now tab. Search passing satellites, filter by distance or illumination, follow their paths, and report the brightness you observe.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: ISS ExplorAR at 3 against Space Station Passes's 1. ISS ExplorAR also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ISS ExplorAR against 5.0 for Space Station Passes. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.
| Parameter | ISS ExplorAR | Space Station Passes |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) | 5.0 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | — | Every 2 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 633 MB | 216 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Octagon Studio Ltd | Sihao Lu |
Customer experience
ISS ExplorAR
Space Station Passes
In-app purchases
ISS ExplorAR
No in-app purchases
Space Station Passes
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ISS ExplorAR free?
Is Space Station Passes free?
Which has better reviews, ISS ExplorAR or Space Station Passes?
Do ISS ExplorAR or Space Station Passes have ads?
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