# Space Rocket Exploration vs Ellipse

The clearest difference is rating: Ellipse at 4.7 against Space Rocket Exploration's 3.7. Ellipse also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (2K vs 313). Space Rocket Exploration's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Ellipse sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Space Rocket Exploration asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ellipse holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ellipse has 2K ratings behind it against 313, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Space Rocket Exploration's written reviews are positive against 79% of Ellipse's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. Both last shipped on September 28, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Rocket Exploration | Ellipse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (313 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-rocket-exploration/id1503436748/reviews) | **[4.7 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ellipse-rocket-simulator/id6738509541/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 313 | **2K** |
| Positive reviews | 69.3% of reviews | **78.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 216 MB | 245 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Genc Sadiku](https://appshunter.io/developer/1226282762) | [Starwelds](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895565220) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Rocket Exploration

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-rocket-exploration/id1503436748)

Build and launch custom rockets to explore planets and moons in our solar system. Construct a space station with unlimited potential and deploy various satellites. Experience realistic space physics and astonishing graphics.

**Highlights:** Build custom rockets, Explore solar system planets and moons, Construct unlimited space stations, Launch and control satellites, Realistic space physics simulation, Astonishing graphics

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 🌟 Great graphics
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💯 Awesome game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔍 Lack of tutorials
- 🔌 Ads interrupting gameplay
- 🔧 Difficult to build space stations

**Reported bugs**

- Rockets exploding on launch
- Satellites randomly exploding in orbit
- Inability to remove space station parts
- Orbit lines not showing correctly

**Requested features**

- Add landing on planets
- Improve space station building
- Introduce more rocket parts
- Add astronaut and EVA functionality
- Implement interplanetary travel


### Ellipse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ellipse-rocket-simulator/id6738509541)

Design, build, and launch rockets with realistic orbital mechanics. Explore celestial bodies and experience dynamic physics for a true-to-life space simulation. Ideal for aspiring engineers and space enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Rocket design and customization, Realistic orbital mechanics, Explore celestial bodies, Dynamic physics engine, Space exploration simulation

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Large Parts | $2.99 | one-time |
| Heavy Lift Program | $4.99 | one-time |
| Expansion | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Realistic simulation
- 👍 Fun and entertaining
- 👍 Good graphics
- 👍 No ads
- 👍 Inspires interest in spaceflight

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 No delete button
- 🐛 Physics issues
- 🐛 Unrealistic re-entry
- 🐛 Laggy performance
- 🐛 Difficult to control rockets

**Reported bugs**

- Connected parts don't work
- Staging issues (last stage goes first)
- Fairings don't attach
- Cannot delete after spawning samples
- Detached parts don't detach

**Requested features**

- Add more planets
- Add astronauts
- Add a delete button
- Add more parts (solar panel, battery, antenna, wing, landing leg, chassis, monopropellant tank, docking port)
- Add electricity consumption


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Rocket Exploration free?

Space Rocket Exploration is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Ellipse free?

Ellipse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Space Rocket Exploration or Ellipse?

Ellipse is rated higher. Space Rocket Exploration averages 3.7 out of 5 from 313 ratings, while Ellipse averages 4.7 from 2K ratings.

### Do Space Rocket Exploration or Ellipse have ads?

Space Rocket Exploration shows ads; Ellipse does not.

### Which is updated more often, Space Rocket Exploration or Ellipse?

Space Rocket Exploration ships an update monthly, and Ellipse monthly. Most recently, Space Rocket Exploration was updated on September 28, 2026 and Ellipse on September 28, 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.*