# Space Simulator vs Space Shuttle AR

The clearest difference is price: Space Shuttle AR at Free against Space Simulator's $4.99. Space Simulator's advantage is ratings volume (4.3K vs 1.1K) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Space Shuttle AR is free to download; Space Simulator costs $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Space Simulator against 4.7 for Space Shuttle AR. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4.3K and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of Space Simulator's written reviews are positive against 78% of Space Shuttle AR's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Simulator | Space Shuttle AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-simulator/id516849108/reviews) | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-shuttle-ar/id1289002724/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.3K** | 1.1K |
| Positive reviews | **83.5% of reviews** | 78.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 1.5 GB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tai Chen](https://appshunter.io/developer/1824184739) | [Noriaki Murao](https://appshunter.io/developer/1289002723) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-simulator/id516849108)

Experience ultra-realistic 3D space flight with real physics in a full-scale Solar System. Play historic NASA missions or explore planets and moons with functional 3D cockpits and interactive orbit planning.

**Highlights:** Full-scale Solar System simulation, Historic NASA mission replays, Functional 3D cockpits, Interactive orbit planner, Real physics engine, Ultra-realistic rendering

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Space Shuttle AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-shuttle-ar/id1289002724)

Experience the Space Shuttle's return through augmented reality. As the launch director, guide the shuttle from launch to a safe docking with the International Space Station. Witness realistic smoke, fire, and engine separation in your own environment.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality (AR) experience, Launch director role, Space Shuttle launch simulation, Docking with International Space Station, Realistic smoke and fire effects, Booster and fuel tank separation, Multiple viewing angles

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Realistic space shuttle simulation
- 👍 Stunning graphics and visuals
- 🎉 Engaging and educational experience
- 💡 Innovative use of AR technology

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Placement and launch issues on some devices
- 🔍 Limited control and customization options
- ⏱️ Short gameplay duration

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing on launch
- Inability to place the shuttle on flat surfaces

**Requested features**

- Add more rockets and spacecraft to launch
- Allow users to build and customize their own rockets
- Implement a re-entry and landing sequence
- Provide more background options (e.g., stars, planets)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Simulator free?

Space Simulator costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Space Shuttle AR free?

Space Shuttle AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Space Simulator or Space Shuttle AR?

Space Simulator and Space Shuttle AR are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4.3K and 1.1K ratings respectively.

### Do Space Simulator or Space Shuttle AR have ads?

Neither Space Simulator nor Space Shuttle AR shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Space Simulator or Space Shuttle AR?

Space Simulator ships an update every 5 months, and Space Shuttle AR every 5 months. Most recently, Space Simulator was updated on September 23, 2026 and Space Shuttle AR on September 24, 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.*