Spacecraft 3D
© 2012 NASA
Extremely amazing, but limited, this augmented reality (AR) app lets you explore different NASA spacecraft used to explore our solar system. To use the app, you need to first print a sheet of paper containing a marker, needed to unlock the spacecraft. Current options include the GRAIL (at the moon) and Curiosity rover (on Mars). You can print the marker directly from your mobile device, or have it emailed to an account of choice. After you have your sheet of paper, you lay it on the table and line up your iPad or iPhone's camera. Presto -- a 3D model of Curiosity rover pops up on your screen. You can move around the craft, and a set of buttons on the bottom of the screen extend the robotic arm. There's not much to do, but what there is will grab your interest, and imagination. You certainly can't argue with the price -- $free.
iPad, iPhone
Teaches: space travel, NASA, exploration
CTR Rating: 90%