- Home
- Augmented Reality Learning Apps
- Spacecraft AR
Spacecraft AR
What it is
Spacecraft AR is a free augmented reality app from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for learning about spacecraft and their missions. Using a mobile device camera and a flat surface, it places spacecraft models in the user's surroundings. Models can be resized and viewed at table-top scale or in true-to-life proportions. The collection includes Curiosity, Opportunity, InSight, SMAP, Voyager, Juno, Cassini, and the 70-Meter Deep Space Network Antenna. The app provides mission information about exploration of Earth, Mars, and beyond, and lets users take pictures with models in their surroundings. It is available on Android and iOS and uses markerless AR. Additional spacecraft can be downloaded in the App Store version, which requires an internet connection for those downloads. The listed plan is free and requires a compatible mobile device. The App Store listing requires iOS 15.0 or later for iPhone and iPadOS 15.0 or later for iPad. The developer indicates the app does not collect data; Google Play says it collects no data and shares none with third parties.
For and against
For
- Free app for Android and iOS.
- Models can be resized to different scales.
- Includes mission information about Earth, Mars, and beyond.
- Users can take pictures with spacecraft models.
Against
- Requires a compatible mobile device.
- Additional App Store spacecraft downloads require internet.
- iOS version requires iOS 15.0 or later.
The verdict
Spacecraft AR pairs adjustable spacecraft models with mission information and a camera-based experience. It is free, though the listed iOS requirements and internet need for additional App Store downloads are worth noting.
Who it suits
Spacecraft AR suits people who want to explore spacecraft models and mission information on a phone or tablet. It may also appeal to users who want to photograph models in their surroundings.
Plans and prices
Spacecraft AR
Free · Education app · Requires compatible mobile device
Read 7 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
On the record
- Additional downloads
- The App Store listing says additional spacecraft can be downloaded and that this requires an internet connection.apps.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Camera feature
- Users can take pictures with spacecraft models in their surroundings.apps.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Data safety
- Google Play states that the app shares no data with third parties and collects no data.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The app is created by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- How it works
- The app uses a mobile device camera and a flat surface to show spacecraft models in augmented reality.science.nasa.gov · read 7 Oct 2026
- iOS requirement
- The App Store listing requires iOS 15.0 or later for iPhone and iPadOS 15.0 or later for iPad.apps.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Mission information
- The app provides in-depth information about missions that explore Earth, Mars, and beyond.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Models
- The app includes models such as Curiosity, Opportunity, InSight, SMAP, Voyager, Juno, Cassini, and the 70-Meter Deep Space Network Antenna.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Model scale
- Models can be viewed at table-top size or in true-to-life proportions, with adjustable size interaction.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The developer indicates that the app does not collect data, according to the App Store listing.apps.apple.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Spacecraft AR is an augmented reality app for learning about and interacting with spacecraft that explore the solar system, study Earth, and observe the universe.science.nasa.gov · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Google Play lists [email protected] as the support email.play.google.com · read 7 Oct 2026
