You can also subscribe to the "Patreon" of the developer for $5, which sometimes gives you access to beta builds, but the full Steam key is the gold standard.
If you just want to fly from the Milky Way to Andromeda and look at star systems, the Free Legacy version is amazing . If you want to land on a planet and watch a sunrise through realistic clouds or fly a spaceship through a dense nebula, buy the Steam version. how to download space engine free
For most users, the current paid version is the better choice for several reasons: VR Support You can also subscribe to the "Patreon" of
: Several high-definition texture packs for the Solar System (like Mercury, Earth, and Mars HD) are available for free once you own the base program. Where to Find Legacy Versions For most users, the current paid version is
Accurate planetary atmospheres, orbital mechanics, and lighting.
You can download for free by using the older "freeware" versions, specifically version 0.9.8.0 or earlier . While the current version on Steam is a paid product, the creator has kept the legacy free versions available for the community. How to Get the Free Legacy Version