Space Engine Alternatives for Linux

Space Engine is not available for Linux but there are some alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is Stellarium, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 25 alternatives to Space Engine and six of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Space Engine are Celestia, Universe Sandbox, Gaia Sky and WinStars.

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Space Engine alternatives are mainly Star Maps Other popular filters include Android, Mac, Android + Star Map, Linux, Star Map, Android + Open World Game and Android + Sandbox Games. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Space Engine.
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Alternatives list

  1. Stellarium icon

    Stellarium

     372 likes
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    Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.

    56 Stellarium alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    The dance of the planets above ESO headquarters, near Munich.
     
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    12
    Comments about Stellarium as an Alternative to Space Engine
    Top Negative Comment
    Guest
    11

    I want to explore other Earth-like planets and it only seems to let you look at the night sky.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    guiltypixel
    Negative
    0

    Not an alternative. Stellarium is a planetarium application.

    Guest
    Negative
    0

    These don't do the same thing, Stellarium simulates the real sky as seen from Earth, Space Engine simulates interstellar travel, including real but also procedurally generated bodies.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Show more comments
    3 of 6 comments
    Space Engine Icon
    Stellarium icon

    • This alternative is disputed. Stellarium is a legitimate Space Engine alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • Stellarium is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Space Engine.

    • Stellarium is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Space Engine.

    • Stellarium is Free and Open SourceSpace Engine is Paid and Proprietary
  2. Celestia icon

    Celestia

     131 likes
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    Celestia is an application for real-time 3D visualization of space, with a detailed model of the solar system, over 100,000 stars, more than 10,000 galaxies, and an extension mechanism for adding more objects.

    29 Celestia alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • visionOS
    The orbits of a number of main belt asteroids (in brown) plotted together with major planet orbits (in blue).
     
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    19
    Comments about Celestia as an Alternative to Space Engine
    msharvey
    Positive
    5

    It has lower system requirements and works well on older hardware.

    Space Engine Icon
    Celestia icon

    • Most users think Celestia is a great Space Engine alternative.

    • Celestia is the most popular Android, iPhone & iPad alternative to Space Engine.

    • Celestia is Free and Open SourceSpace Engine is Paid and Proprietary
  4. Universe Sandbox icon

    Universe Sandbox

     15 likes
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    Universe Sandbox is an interactive space simulator for Windows based PCs.

    Unlike most astronomy software that just shows you what the sky looks like or where the planets are, Universe Sandbox is a powerful gravity simulator. You can add another star to our solar system and watch.

    14 Universe Sandbox alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Steam
    Universe Sandbox screenshot 1
     
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    9
    Comments about Universe Sandbox as an Alternative to Space Engine
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    it's different enough to warrant buying over space engine, but similar enough where its okay for a comparison. It doesn't look as nice, but it actually has a proper physics engine.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Space Engine Icon
    Universe Sandbox icon

    • Most users think Universe Sandbox is a great Space Engine alternative.

    • Universe Sandbox is Paid and ProprietarySpace Engine is also Paid and Proprietary
  5. Gaia Sky icon

    Gaia Sky

     11 likes
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    3D visualization software for ESA's (European Space Agency) Gaia mission to chart about 1 billion stars of the Milky Way Galaxy.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Gaia Sky screenshot 1
     
  6. WinStars icon

    WinStars

     6 likes
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    WinStars uses the latest 3D technology to show the objects of our solar system in a realistic manner. Thus, it is possible to move from one planet to another, to follow a space probe on its long voyage or to observe a celestial event from a place to which you could never go.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Wine
    WinStars screenshot 1
     
  7. Cosmonium icon

    Cosmonium

     4 likes
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    Cosmonium is a 3D astronomy and space exploration program. With Cosmonium you can navigate in our solar system and discover all the planets and their moons.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Io transiting over Jupiter
     
6 of 6 Space Engine alternatives