# Space Simulator vs Moon Mission Explorer Simulator

The clearest difference is ads: Moon Mission Explorer Simulator at none against Space Simulator's shown. Moon Mission Explorer Simulator also leads on ratings volume (261 vs 86) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 13.0). Space Simulator's advantage is rating (2.7 vs 2.5). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Space Simulator sells 26 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Moon Mission Explorer Simulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Space Simulator holds the better App Store score, 2.7 against 2.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 86 and 261 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 15% and 16% positive.

Space Simulator ships an update every 9 days, Moon Mission Explorer Simulator fortnightly. Both last shipped on September 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space Simulator | Moon Mission Explorer Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.7 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-simulator/id884510216/reviews)** | [2.5 (261 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-mission-explorer-simulator/id1138690068/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 86 | **261** |
| Positive reviews | 14.6% of reviews | **15.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 279 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Thetis Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/339173067) | [App Holdings](https://appshunter.io/developer/808581339) |

## What reviewers say

### Space Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-simulator/id884510216)

Experience a highly accurate space flight simulation with realistic physics and celestial bodies. Explore our solar system, witness Earth's rotation, and navigate through asteroid rings. This app offers an immersive astronaut experience with real-world weather and G-force simulations.

**Highlights:** Realistic spaceship physics, Solar system exploration, Real-time Earth rotation, Planet moons and asteroid rings, Weather forecast and G-force simulation, Nasa-based terrain and textures

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (26)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Club Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Club Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Club Yearly | $24.99 | per month |
| Remove Ads forever | $0.99 | one-time |
| Discovery Space Shuttle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Challenger Space Shuttle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Endeavour Space Shuttle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Columbia Space Shuttle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Moon Launch Site | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mars Launch Site | $4.99 | one-time |
| Starlight ZR6 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Artemis Rocket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Soyuz Rocket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Aegean SR8 | $4.99 | one-time |
| RX6 Rimward | $4.99 | one-time |
| Saturn V Rocket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Starship Rocket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Long March 5 Rocket | $4.99 | one-time |
| ZR3 Arminus | $5.99 | one-time |
| F3 Crusader | $5.99 | one-time |
| Space Shuttles Pack | $6.99 | one-time |
| All Launch Sites | $6.99 | one-time |
| Oberon M2 | $6.99 | one-time |
| All Rockets | $12.99 | one-time |
| All Tykhon Corp SpaceShips | $24.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Aircraft | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Good graphics and visuals
- 🌍 Ability to explore planets and space
- ⚙️ Decent physics mechanics
- 🎮 Fun exploration gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Cannot land on planets or re-enter atmosphere
- 📺 Excessive and intrusive ads throughout gameplay
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases ($4.99-$16 for ships/content)
- 🎮 Lack of gameplay depth and objectives
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes frequently when entering space
- App freezes randomly, especially on iPad
- Shuttle burns up even on the moon and during proper re-entry attempts
- FlyWings ad blocks entire screen and cannot be closed
- Game kicks player out when attempting to return to Earth

**Requested features**

- Add ability to land on planets and explore them
- Implement proper atmospheric re-entry mechanics
- Add more spacecraft/rocket options
- Create airports and landing sites on Earth
- Add satellite deployment functionality


### Moon Mission Explorer Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moon-mission-explorer-simulator/id1138690068)

Embark on an outer space adventure as a NASA astronaut exploring the lunar surface. Drive a rover, search for aliens and artifacts, and repair your spaceship to return home with alien technology.

**Highlights:** Drive Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), Locate and catch aliens, Search moon caves and crevasses, Find alien artifacts, Repair spaceship, Investigate lunar disaster

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and engaging gameplay mechanics
- 🌙 Interesting space/moon exploration theme
- 👽 Unique alien encounter mechanics
- 🎨 Good visual details (Earth view, game preview)
- ⏱️ Oxygen system creates survival tension

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constant crashing and forced app closure
- ❌ Game unplayable on iPad despite compatibility claims
- 📱 Frequent crashes on iOS devices
- ⚠️ Game kicks users out immediately upon launch
- 🚶 Extremely slow character movement speed

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes immediately at splash screen or launch
- Game kicks users out to home screen upon opening
- Black screen appears then returns to home screen
- App fails to open on iPad Pro with specific iOS versions
- Game incompatible with iOS 16.1.1 and similar versions

**Requested features**

- Add comprehensive in-game instructions and tutorials
- Implement easy landing stage before exploration
- Replace space shuttle with lunar excursion module for accuracy
- Add more missions and extended gameplay content
- Reduce or implement optional advertisement system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space Simulator free?

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

### Is Moon Mission Explorer Simulator free?

Moon Mission Explorer Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Space Simulator or Moon Mission Explorer Simulator?

Space Simulator is rated higher. Space Simulator averages 2.7 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while Moon Mission Explorer Simulator averages 2.5 from 261 ratings.

### Do Space Simulator or Moon Mission Explorer Simulator have ads?

Space Simulator shows ads; Moon Mission Explorer Simulator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Space Simulator or Moon Mission Explorer Simulator?

Space Simulator ships an update every 9 days, and Moon Mission Explorer Simulator fortnightly. Most recently, Space Simulator was updated on September 15, 2026 and Moon Mission Explorer Simulator on September 15, 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.*