Report updated Apr 3, 2026
NASA Science: Plant Growth
v4.0.2Students, educators, and space enthusiasts interested in STEM education and the realities of life aboard the International Space Station.
What Is NASA Science: Plant Growth?
Launched Nov 21, 2016
Updated Dec 2025
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
Physics-based navigation mechanics that simulate movement and orientation in a microgravity environment.
Educational simulation of space-based botany, covering light requirements, watering techniques, and food production.
Gamified progression system that rewards users with virtual patches for completing tasks and scientific discoveries.
Integrated informational content regarding plant growth experiments suitable for classroom and home use.
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.
Gathering public signals...
Sentiment analysis will be available once enough user reviews are collected.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- NASA brand authority and scientific accuracy
- Unique physics-based zero-g movement mechanics
- Completely free with no barriers to entry
- Niche focus on space-based botany
Cons
- Low update frequency and aging interface
- Limited gamification and long-term engagement loops
- Low user discovery and rating volume
- Lack of social or collaborative features
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Integration with VR/AR for enhanced immersion
- Expansion into other ISS scientific disciplines
- Direct integration with educational curriculum platforms
- Leveraging NASA's global social media presence for UA
Market Threats
- High-fidelity commercial space simulators
- Specialized plant care apps capturing the botany segment
- Technical obsolescence due to infrequent updates
- Emergence of more gamified STEM competitors
Who competes with NASA Science: Plant Growth?
The Nemesis
Why it's a threat
Contenders
Space Agency
Nooleus
The most direct competitor in simulating the technical tasks of space exploration, including building stations and managing missions.
The most direct competitor in simulating the technical tasks of space exploration, including building stations and managing missions.
Spaceflight Simulator
Spaceflight Simulator UK Ltd
Focuses on the physics of space travel and station assembly, appealing to the same audience interested in the mechanics of microgravity.
Focuses on the physics of space travel and station assembly, appealing to the same audience interested in the mechanics of microgravity.
Juno: New Origins Complete Ed.
★4.4 (1K)Jundroo, LLC
A highly realistic 3D aerospace simulation that mirrors the scientific rigor and engineering challenges presented in NASA's educational tools.
A highly realistic 3D aerospace simulation that mirrors the scientific rigor and engineering challenges presented in NASA's educational tools.
While more arcade-like, it focuses heavily on the physics of movement in low-gravity environments, similar to the app's zero-g navigation.
Jetpack Exploration
Peers
A leading astronomy education app that shares the same 'space enthusiast' and 'student' user base.
Augmented Reality (AR) Mode
A popular AR astronomy app used in classrooms to identify celestial bodies and man-made satellites like the ISS.
Time Travel
ISS Live Now
★4.6 (6K)Carlos Santos
Provides real-time views and educational content from the ISS, serving the same curiosity about life in orbit.
Provides real-time views and educational content from the ISS, serving the same curiosity about life in orbit.
Cell to Singularity: Evolution
★4.8 (21K)Computer Lunch
An educational clicker game that covers scientific evolution and space exploration milestones.
An educational clicker game that covers scientific evolution and space exploration milestones.
New Kids on the Block
While a utility app, its high growth in plant care education captures the 'botany enthusiast' segment of the target audience.
Light Meter
ExoMiner - Idle Miner Universe
★4.7 (13K)ExoCorp AB
A fast-growing space industry simulator that gamifies resource management and scientific discovery.
A fast-growing space industry simulator that gamifies resource management and scientific discovery.
What are the key takeaways?
NASA Science: Plant Growth is a divisive games app that is completely free. With a 4.4/5 rating from 25 reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users.
Best for: Students, educators, and space enthusiasts interested in STEM education and the realities of life aboard the International Space Station.
How much does it cost?
Model: free
As a government-funded educational tool, the app prioritizes accessibility and public outreach over monetization.
iOS Version
4.0.2
Release Date
Nov 21, 2016
iOS Price
Free