NASA Eyes review
A free, browser-based NASA experience for exploring missions, planets, Earth data, and space science.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
NASA Eyes is a free suite of browser-based 3D applications for exploring NASA missions, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, spacecraft, Earth-observing satellites, and exoplanets. It is aimed at broad public use, with particular relevance for educators, students, and anyone who wants structured space exploration without a paid plan. The experience runs in modern browsers on phones, tablets, desktops, laptops, and Linux systems, making it accessible across common web-connected devices.
Its strongest area is the breadth of educational and mission content. Eyes on the Solar System supports historical and real-time NASA mission exploration, while Eyes on Asteroids tracks more than 30,000 near-Earth asteroids and Eyes on Exoplanets covers more than 5,500 confirmed exoplanet systems. Eyes on the Earth presents data on carbon dioxide, ozone, sea level, precipitation, and soil moisture. Users can also monitor live Deep Space Network communications, explore Mars mission communication and landing simulations, and follow interactive stories that explain missions and space topics. That combination gives NASA Eyes more depth than a simple sky map or planet viewer.
The trade-off is its focus: NASA Eyes is built for browser-based exploration and learning rather than practical observing from a backyard. It does not offer an AR sky view, telescope control, or offline access, and older downloadable desktop versions are no longer supported. Choose it if free NASA content, 3D visualization, mission context, and educational exploration matter most. Consider another astronomy app if the priority is identifying objects in the night sky, controlling equipment, or using content without an internet connection.
NASA Eyes pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free access to 3D NASA missions, worlds, spacecraft, and space data
- Covers asteroids, exoplanets, Earth observation, and Deep Space Network activity
- Includes interactive educational stories, explanations, and mission simulations
- Where it doesn't
- Requires an internet connection for browser-based access
- No AR sky view for identifying objects in the real sky
- Does not provide telescope control or supported downloadable desktop apps
NASA Eyes fact sheet, pricing and score →
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