Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Ascent: Commemorating Shuttle
v1.1Space enthusiasts, students, and educators interested in historical NASA shuttle mission footage and interactive educational experiences.
What Is Ascent: Commemorating Shuttle?
Launched Nov 29, 2011
Updated Feb 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Compilation of high-quality ground-based motion imagery from STS-114, STS-117, and STS-124 missions.
Includes audio or text-based commentary providing context to the shuttle footage.
Access to behind-the-scenes production notes and selected imagery.
Uses GPS, QR codes, and numeric selection to trigger media content in specific physical locations (Android version).
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a thrilled sentiment. Users appreciate content quality and educational value, but report airplay functionality and technical limitations.”
What Users Love
Absolutely amazing video documenting our space shuttles
45 minutes of shuttle launch HD video... imagery is beyond belief
I learned so much, and the imagery is beyond belief
Includes great graphics and info on Ascent
Pain Points
I would give the app 5 stars if AirPlay worked
Great app but why doesn't AirPlay work?
The app, however, is not multitasking compliant
The video is still pixelated. Please release a retina display version
Medium confidence · 13 reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Authoritative NASA branding and exclusive archival footage
- High-quality expert commentary and production notes
- Unique location-based storytelling (Android)
- Strong positive sentiment regarding core content
Cons
- Legacy iOS version (last updated 2015) lacks modern features
- Broken AirPlay and multitasking support
- Limited mission scope compared to comprehensive trackers
- Lack of Retina display optimization
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Modernize iOS UI to match current Android standards
- Expand mission coverage to include Artemis or other historical eras
- Integrate AR features to compete with Smithsonian's offerings
- Fix technical bugs to improve rating from 4.6 to 5.0
Market Threats
- Commercial competitors with higher update frequencies
- Consolidation of space data into all-in-one tracking apps
- User migration to platforms with better AirPlay/casting support
Who competes with Ascent: Commemorating Shuttle?
The Nemesis
Next Spaceflight
NASASpaceflight LLC
Provides a comprehensive database of historical space missions, including the STS shuttle missions covered in Ascent.
Provides a comprehensive database of historical space missions, including the STS shuttle missions covered in Ascent.
Contenders
An interactive encyclopedia that features detailed 3D models and historical mission notes for the Space Shuttle program.
Time Machine
SkySafari 7 Plus
Simulation Curriculum Corp.
A professional-grade educational tool that includes extensive databases on historical spacecraft and mission trajectories.
A professional-grade educational tool that includes extensive databases on historical spacecraft and mission trajectories.
Luminos
★4.8 (1K)Wobbleworks LLC
Provides deep historical mission data and spacecraft tracking within a comprehensive astronomical reference app.
Provides deep historical mission data and spacecraft tracking within a comprehensive astronomical reference app.
Peers
A leading educational app for space enthusiasts that covers general astronomy and historical space events.
Augmented Reality (AR) Mode
Popular educational app that provides context for space exploration through an AR interface.
Time Travel
CuriosityStream
★4.6 (6K)CuriosityStream, LLC
A documentary platform that hosts extensive high-quality video content regarding the Space Shuttle program and NASA history.
A documentary platform that hosts extensive high-quality video content regarding the Space Shuttle program and NASA history.
Night Sky
iCandi Apps Ltd.
Uses AR and location-based features to educate users about space, overlapping with Ascent's interactive storytelling goals.
Uses AR and location-based features to educate users about space, overlapping with Ascent's interactive storytelling goals.
New Kids on the Block
The Moon: Calendar Moon Phases
Vitalii Gryniuk
A newer, highly focused interactive mission guide that represents the modern standard for space-specific documentation.
A newer, highly focused interactive mission guide that represents the modern standard for space-specific documentation.
What are the key takeaways?
Ascent: Commemorating Shuttle is a thrilling education app that is completely free. With a 4.6/5 rating from 16 reviews, it thrills its users from users. Users particularly appreciate content quality, though airplay functionality remains a common concern.
Best for: Space enthusiasts, students, and educators interested in historical NASA shuttle mission footage and interactive educational experiences.
How much does it cost?
Model: free
The app serves as a public outreach and educational tool provided by NASA, with no monetization or in-app purchases.