# NASA HIAD vs Orbital Simulator

The clearest difference is rating: Orbital Simulator at 5.0 against NASA HIAD's 4.4. Orbital Simulator also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). NASA HIAD's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Orbital Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 6 respectively.

NASA HIAD ships an update every 4 months, Orbital Simulator fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NASA HIAD | Orbital Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-hiad/id534511367/reviews) | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 38.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 25 MB | 247 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) | [Renzo Macedo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1403943580) |

## What reviewers say

### NASA HIAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nasa-hiad/id534511367)

Engage in a challenging space mission simulation where you must guide an inflatable spacecraft through atmospheric re-entry. Make critical decisions about shape, materials, and trajectory to successfully land cargo on Earth.

**Highlights:** Spacecraft re-entry simulation, Inflatable aerodynamic decelerator mechanics, Trajectory and speed control, Vehicle customization, Four levels of engineering challenges, Star-based scoring system

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Orbital Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732)

Explore orbital mechanics through interactive simulations and real-time solar system data. Learn about Kepler's Laws, practice orbital maneuvers, and engage in mission objectives. Ideal for students and space enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Interactive orbital simulations, Kepler's Laws visualization, Orbital maneuver practice, Real-time solar system view, Customizable orbital parameters, Detailed educational content, Mission-based challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NASA HIAD free?

NASA HIAD is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Orbital Simulator free?

Orbital Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, NASA HIAD or Orbital Simulator?

Orbital Simulator is rated higher. NASA HIAD averages 4.4 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Orbital Simulator averages 5.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do NASA HIAD or Orbital Simulator have ads?

Orbital Simulator shows ads; NASA HIAD does not.

### Which is updated more often, NASA HIAD or Orbital Simulator?

NASA HIAD ships an update every 4 months, and Orbital Simulator fortnightly. Most recently, NASA HIAD was updated on October 23, 2026 and Orbital Simulator on October 22, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*