Space exploration has fascinated humanity for centuries. Today, thanks to the advancement of technology, you don’t need to be an astronaut or astronomer to explore the mysteries of space.
With smartphones and tablets, you can explore distant galaxies, track satellites, and even learn about upcoming space missions.
Here’s a detailed guide to the 15 best space exploration apps that will take you on a journey beyond our planet.
1. Star Walk 2 – Night Sky Guide
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
Star Walk 2 is a beautifully designed app that allows users to explore the night sky in real-time. It uses your phone’s GPS to show an interactive map of constellations, planets, and stars based on your location. You can point your phone at the sky and the app will identify celestial objects. The app also provides information about space phenomena such as meteor showers, comets, and eclipses.
Key Features:
- Real-time star tracking
- Interactive 3D map of constellations
- Detailed information about celestial objects
2. NASA App
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free
The official NASA app is an all-in-one source for the latest space news, missions, and photos. Users can access a wealth of information about NASA’s missions, watch live streaming of launches, and explore the latest images from the Hubble Space Telescope. It’s perfect for space enthusiasts who want to stay updated with real-time events in the world of space exploration.
Key Features:
- Live streaming of NASA TV
- Real-time updates on space missions
- Access to thousands of space images and videos
3. SkyView
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
SkyView is a user-friendly app that helps you find constellations, stars, planets, and even the International Space Station (ISS) in the night sky. Its augmented reality (AR) feature allows users to point their device at the sky and identify celestial objects in real-time. SkyView also notifies you of upcoming celestial events such as lunar eclipses and meteor showers.
Key Features:
- AR space exploration
- Track the ISS and Hubble Space Telescope
- Notifications for astronomical events
4. Stellarium Mobile – Star Map
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free / $4.99 (Pro version)
Stellarium Mobile is a powerful planetarium app that displays a detailed 3D simulation of the night sky. It allows you to explore stars, constellations, planets, and other deep-sky objects. The app has an impressive database of stars and celestial bodies, and it provides detailed information on each. You can zoom in and view objects as they appear in a professional telescope.
Key Features:
- Realistic depiction of the night sky
- Detailed star and planet database
- Time travel feature to explore past or future skies
5. Heavens-Above
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Heavens-Above is an excellent app for tracking satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS). It provides accurate predictions of satellite passes over your location, making it easy to spot satellites as they travel across the night sky. The app also offers star charts and information about astronomical events.
Key Features:
- Satellite and ISS tracking
- Detailed star charts
- Notifications for upcoming satellite passes
6. Solar Walk 2 – Spacecraft 3D & Space Exploration
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
Solar Walk 2 is a visually stunning space exploration app that offers a 3D model of the solar system. You can explore planets, moons, and spacecraft in real-time, learning about each celestial body and its exploration history. The app also provides detailed information on space missions and allows you to simulate the trajectories of spacecraft.
Key Features:
- 3D model of the solar system
- Spacecraft simulation and mission tracking
- Interactive learning tools for students and space enthusiasts
7. SkySafari
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free / $2.99 (Pro version)
SkySafari is a robust app for stargazers and amateur astronomers. It offers a comprehensive database of stars, planets, moons, comets, and satellites. The app can control computerized telescopes, allowing you to automatically point them at objects in the night sky. SkySafari also includes information about historical astronomical events and predictions for future phenomena.
Key Features:
- Telescope control feature
- Extensive celestial database
- Historical and future astronomical events
8. ISS Detector
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
ISS Detector is designed for those who want to spot the International Space Station (ISS) and other satellites. The app provides real-time tracking and notifications for when the ISS is visible in your area. It also includes weather conditions to ensure you have a clear view of the station as it passes overhead.
Key Features:
- Real-time ISS tracking
- Notifications for ISS visibility
- Weather conditions for optimal viewing
9. Star Chart
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
Star Chart transforms your device into a window to the universe. Simply point your phone at the sky, and the app will display detailed information about the stars, planets, and constellations you see. With over 120,000 stars in its database, it’s one of the most detailed stargazing apps available. The app also allows you to “time travel” by exploring the sky from any point in history.
Key Features:
- Over 120,000 stars cataloged
- Time travel feature
- 3D exploration of planets and stars
10. Cosmonautica
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: $3.99
Cosmonautica is a fun space exploration and management simulation game. It allows you to captain a spaceship, explore the galaxy, trade goods, and engage in space battles. The app combines humor and engaging gameplay, making it a great option for those who want a more interactive space experience.
Key Features:
- Space exploration and trading
- Humorous narrative and characters
- Customizable spaceships and crew management
11. Exoplanet
Platform: iOS
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
Exoplanet is a detailed app for those interested in planets outside our solar system. It provides an interactive catalog of exoplanets discovered by astronomers. The app also shows their location in the Milky Way galaxy, along with detailed information about each planet’s size, temperature, and atmosphere.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive exoplanet database
- Interactive Milky Way map
- Notifications for new exoplanet discoveries
12. Pocket Universe
Platform: iOS
Price: $2.99
Pocket Universe is a compact and powerful stargazing app designed to make astronomy accessible to everyone. It provides detailed sky maps, helping users identify stars, constellations, and planets. The app also includes quizzes and educational resources, making it ideal for those who are just starting out in astronomy.
Key Features:
- Interactive sky maps
- Educational quizzes and resources
- Virtual orrery for visualizing planet movements
13. Sky Map
Platform: Android
Price: Free
Sky Map is an open-source stargazing app developed by Google. It uses your phone’s GPS and sensors to provide an accurate, real-time star map based on your location. The app allows you to track stars, planets, and constellations easily. It’s simple, lightweight, and perfect for those who want a free stargazing experience.
Key Features:
- Real-time star tracking
- Open-source and free to use
- Simple interface for beginners
14. Orbitrack
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: $4.99
Orbitrack is an advanced app for tracking satellites, space stations, and other orbiting objects. It provides detailed 3D simulations of satellite orbits and offers real-time information on thousands of satellites. The app also shows satellite pass predictions and notifies you when a satellite is visible from your location.
Key Features:
- Detailed satellite tracking and 3D simulations
- Real-time pass predictions
- Notifications for satellite visibility
15. Sky Guide
Platform: iOS
Price: $2.99
Sky Guide is a beautifully designed app that makes it easy to identify stars, planets, and constellations in the night sky. The app is simple to use—just point your device at the sky and it will display real-time information about celestial objects. Sky Guide also features high-quality imagery and educational resources to help users deepen their knowledge of space.
Key Features:
- Real-time celestial identification
- Beautiful, high-resolution images
- Educational content for astronomy enthusiasts
Conclusion
With the help of these space exploration apps, you can experience the wonders of the universe right from your smartphone. Whether you want to track the ISS, identify constellations, or simulate space missions, these apps offer something for every space enthusiast. By bringing the cosmos closer to home, these 15 stellar apps open up a whole new world of exploration beyond our planet.
