Report updated Apr 3, 2026
Solar Walk 2 Ads+：The Universe
v1.6.7Astronomy enthusiasts, students, and families looking for an educational, visually immersive tool to explore space and the history of exploration.
What Is Solar Walk 2 Ads+：The Universe?
Launched Apr 29, 2016
Updated Mar 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?
Interactive, real-time 3D representation of planets, moons, satellites, and celestial bodies.
Ability to navigate to any date and time to observe historical or future celestial events.
Detailed 3D models of spacecraft and satellites with real-time flight path trajectories and mission history.
Comprehensive schedule of celestial events, including eclipses, moon phases, and space exploration milestones.
Tools to capture and share high-quality panoramic images of space objects directly to social media.
Integrated news section providing the latest updates from the world of space and astronomy.
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 excited sentiment. Users appreciate visual quality and graphics and educational value, but report excessive advertising and paywall restrictions.”
What Users Love
Fascinating satellites live moving.
High quality graphics.
Very amazing and really good for solar system projects.
It can teach you about planets.
Pain Points
Constant take the whole screen nagging ads every other minute.
Every time I click on a planet there's an ad.
Premium access does not remove ads.
Dwarf planets except Pluto are not free.
High confidence · 17.3K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Superior 3D visual fidelity and planetary textures
- Unique historical space mission tracking and spacecraft models
- Robust time-navigation features for celestial events
- Strong brand recognition and high rating volume
Cons
- Intrusive ad frequency that disrupts the user experience
- Confusing monetization (Premium does not remove ads)
- Paywalling of basic astronomical objects
- High friction in the user journey due to full-screen ads
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Introduce a true 'Ad-Free' premium tier
- Integrate Augmented Reality (AR) for real-time sky gazing
- Expand coverage of modern private space missions (SpaceX, etc.)
- Gamify educational content with quizzes and achievement systems
Market Threats
- Free official alternatives like the NASA app
- Direct competitors like Solar System Scope with better ad-to-content balance
- AR-focused apps like Night Sky capturing the casual discovery market
- Platform-level astronomy features integrated into iOS/Android
Who competes with Solar Walk 2 Ads+：The Universe?
The Nemesis
Solar System Scope
★4.4 (860)INOVE, s.r.o.
The most direct rival offering a high-fidelity 3D interactive solar system model with similar mission tracking and educational features.
The most direct rival offering a high-fidelity 3D interactive solar system model with similar mission tracking and educational features.
Contenders
The official source for space mission tracking, real-time trajectories, and the latest news from the world of astronomy.
NASA+ Streaming Service
Stellarium Mobile - Star Map
Noctua Software Ltd
A highly popular open-source planetarium that provides realistic 3D renderings of the sky and solar system objects.
A highly popular open-source planetarium that provides realistic 3D renderings of the sky and solar system objects.
Cosmic-Watch
★4.9 (603)Celestial Dynamics AG
Focuses on the visual relationship between time and space through a stunning 3D interactive clock and solar system model.
Focuses on the visual relationship between time and space through a stunning 3D interactive clock and solar system model.
Peers
A popular AR-based tool for identifying planets and satellites, appealing to the same casual educational audience.
Time Travel
Night Sky
iCandi Apps Ltd.
A dominant sky guide that uses AR to explore the solar system and identify celestial bodies in real-time.
A dominant sky guide that uses AR to explore the solar system and identify celestial bodies in real-time.
Sky Guide
Fifth Star Labs LLC
Highly cinematic astronomy app that overlaps on visual fidelity and educational storytelling about space.
Highly cinematic astronomy app that overlaps on visual fidelity and educational storytelling about space.
Star Chart
0ESCAPE VELOCITY LIMITED
Uses AR and 3D simulation to allow users to explore the solar system and view planets in high detail.
Uses AR and 3D simulation to allow users to explore the solar system and view planets in high detail.
New Kids on the Block
A highly successful educational app focusing on the scale of the universe, competing for the same science-curious audience.
Seamless Scale Zooming
SkyORB 2021 Astronomy in AR
★4.5 (21)Stephane Denis
A fast-growing 3D star map that includes a 3D planetarium, ephemeris, and search engine for celestial bodies.
A fast-growing 3D star map that includes a 3D planetarium, ephemeris, and search engine for celestial bodies.
What are the key takeaways?
Solar Walk 2 Ads+：The Universe is a exciting reference app that is free with in-app purchases. With a 4.4/5 rating from 17.3K reviews, it excites its users from users. Users particularly appreciate visual quality and graphics, though excessive advertising remains a common concern.
Best for: Astronomy enthusiasts, students, and families looking for an educational, visually immersive tool to explore space and the history of exploration.
How much does it cost?
Model: freemium
The app uses an ad-supported model to drive mass adoption, but the 'Premium' IAP gate does not remove ads, which is a major source of user complaints and a potential churn risk.
iOS Version
1.6.7
Android Version
1.6.9
Release Date
Apr 29, 2016
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free
Developer
Vito Technology Inc.