Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Satellite Tracker by Star Walk
v1.4.9Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur stargazers, families, and students looking for an accessible, educational tool to observe man-made objects.
What Is Satellite Tracker by Star Walk?
Launched Sep 27, 2017
Updated Nov 2025
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?
Point your device at the sky to identify and track satellites in real-time using AR-style pointer guidance.
Experience a 3D visualization of the satellite's movement over the Earth at its actual speed and location.
Get precise notifications and a list of upcoming visible passes for specific satellites at your location.
View the trajectory of satellites around a 3D model of the Earth.
Access a collection of over 19,000 artificial satellites, including the ISS, Starlink, and Hubble.
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 mixed sentiment. Users appreciate content quality and accuracy, but report aggressive monetization and excessive advertising.”
What Users Love
very accurate
The Earth can be seen from the astronauts' point of view
Pain Points
Pay or nothing
Scam app that requires a paid monthly subscription
every time you push a button they play two ads
Toomuch Ad's
High confidence · 125.9K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Star Walk brand pedigree
- Immersive 3D 'Fly-with-satellite' view
- High accuracy and large satellite database
- AR-guided pointer for easy identification
Cons
- Aggressive ad frequency in free tier
- Misleading 'free' messaging in store
- Subscription gating of basic features
- Reported location permission bugs
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Improve onboarding transparency
- Introduce tiered one-time purchases for specific satellites
- Expand Starlink-specific social sharing features
Market Threats
- Free utility-focused competitors like Heavens-Above
- Niche Starlink trackers with lower friction
- Broader astronomy apps integrating satellite features for free
Who competes with Satellite Tracker by Star Walk?
The Nemesis
ISS Detector
★4.1 (159)Derk Vrijdag
The primary market rival for pass predictions and satellite alerts with a massive user base and similar freemium model.
The primary market rival for pass predictions and satellite alerts with a massive user base and similar freemium model.
Contenders
ISS Spotter
★4.4 (644)Mediapilot
A highly-rated alternative specifically optimized for ISS tracking and visibility alerts.
A highly-rated alternative specifically optimized for ISS tracking and visibility alerts.
ISS Live Now
★4.6 (6K)Carlos Santos
Focuses on the immersive experience of tracking the ISS with live video feeds and real-time earth views.
Focuses on the immersive experience of tracking the ISS with live video feeds and real-time earth views.
Peers
A major AR sky reference app that competes for users looking to identify satellites by pointing their device at the sky.
Time Travel
Night Sky
iCandi Apps Ltd.
A dominant astronomy app that includes robust satellite tracking and AR identification as part of a broader stargazing suite.
A dominant astronomy app that includes robust satellite tracking and AR identification as part of a broader stargazing suite.
Sky Guide
Fifth Star Labs LLC
High-quality UI competitor that users often choose for its polished satellite pass notifications and X-ray vision features.
High-quality UI competitor that users often choose for its polished satellite pass notifications and X-ray vision features.
SkySafari
Simulation Curriculum Corp.
Professional-grade astronomy tool with a comprehensive satellite database used by serious amateur astronomers.
Professional-grade astronomy tool with a comprehensive satellite database used by serious amateur astronomers.
What are the key takeaways?
Satellite Tracker by Star Walk is a divisive reference app that is available. With a 4.5/5 rating from 125.9K reviews, it receives mixed feedback from users. Users particularly appreciate content quality and accuracy, though aggressive monetization remains a common concern.
Best for: Astronomy enthusiasts, amateur stargazers, families, and students looking for an accessible, educational tool to observe man-made objects.
How much does it cost?
Model: subscription
Uses a 'freemium' model where the ISS is the hook. However, the gating of almost all other satellites behind a subscription is a major point of user contention.
iOS Version
1.4.9
Android Version
1.4.9
Release Date
Sep 27, 2017
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Vito Technology Inc.