DIY Solar System
DIY Solar System is an educational app for families and educators that provides hands-on space science activities and augmented reality planetary exploration on iOS and Android.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The app replaces the need for expensive, specialized science kits by providing guided experiments using common household materials, removing the financial barrier to STEM engagement for families.
For Families and educators seeking accessible, hands-on STEM learning materials for children.
What does it look like?
Key features
Projects a scale model of the solar system into the user's physical environment using camera-based AR, reinforcing brand authority.
Provides 11 guided, hands-on science experiments using common household materials, acting as a retention loop for family engagement.
Fast-paced image classification game identifying objects within or outside the solar system, increasing session duration.
How much does it cost?
The app is entirely free, serving as a non-monetized outreach tool for the Lawrence Hall of Science to promote its educational mission and institutional membership.
Velocity
Dormant developmentopaqueShow more...
Development has ceased, with the latest release occurring 923 days ago. The app shows no signs of active maintenance or feature updates across either platform. Given the lack of activity for over two years, the project is classified as a zombie.
Who built it?
The Lawrence Hall of Science
4 apps tracked · Education
Monster Heart Medic
I Got This: An Interactive Story
DIY Sun ScienceUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate interactive astronomy activities provide engaging educational value for both high school students and younger learners and mini-games and interactive solar system exploration keep users interested in science topics they previously disliked.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Interactive astronomy activities provide engaging educational value for both high school students and younger learners
- Mini-games and interactive solar system exploration keep users interested in science topics they previously disliked
- Nostalgic game design elements create a welcoming and accessible experience for users across different age groups
5 of 5 recent reviews analyzed · limited sample
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for DIY Solar System
How's the Education market?
DIY Solar System holds a niche position in the Education category as a zero-cost, high-authority science tool, maintaining a 4.53 rating across 17 total ratings. The lack of commercial monetization distinguishes it from ad-supported rivals, though the 30-month update silence limits its visibility in competitive charts.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
Unlock the deeper market read.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for DIY Solar System
Where is it heading?
The educational app market is consolidating around high-frequency, ad-supported or subscription-based STEM tools that offer constant content updates. DIY Solar System remains advantaged by its NASA-backed authority, but the lack of recent feature expansion leaves it exposed to more agile, commercial competitors.
- The 30-month development silence suggests a maintenance-only posture, which limits the app's ability to compete with higher-frequency STEM rivals for new user attention.
- High sentiment among educators regarding the astronomy activity library provides a stable foundation for institutional outreach, provided the content remains technically functional.
The SWOT
- NASA-supported content establishes immediate brand authority
- Hands-on activity library creates high-utility switching costs for educators
- Localized content expansion for international school partnerships
- Direct integration of museum-membership sign-ups within the interface
Next best moves
Audit current content library for curriculum alignment because educators report the app is a primary introduction for astronomy units → increase institutional adoption
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The lack of monetization is the app's primary competitive advantage…
Read the full takeBottom line
DIY Solar System maintains its value as a high-authority educational tool, but the 30-month development silence risks brand erosion as modern STEM apps adopt higher-frequency update cycles. Prioritizing a content refresh would secure its relevance for the next school year cycle.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeSources
- [1] App Store
Report last updated