Astronauts will soon be able to use the latest smartphones during space missions, starting with two key flights. This change aims to enable better capture of moments and sharing of images from orbit and beyond. The policy was announced via a post from NASA administrator Jared Isaacman.
NASA has updated its policy to permit astronauts to bring modern smartphones on space missions, beginning with the SpaceX Crew-12 and Artemis II flights. According to an X post by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, this adjustment provides crews with advanced tools for documentation.
The SpaceX Crew-12 mission is set to launch on February 11, transporting four astronauts to the International Space Station. Following closely, NASA's Artemis II mission is slated for a March launch, involving four astronauts on a 10-day journey that will orbit the moon before returning to Earth.
Isaacman stated, "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."
An Apple spokesperson told CNET that this marks "the first time [the] iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond." Previously, astronauts relied on older equipment, as the spokesperson added, "Until now, astronauts were largely limited to legacy cameras and older imaging equipment."
NASA's announcement did not specify phone brands or models. Current missions employ 2016 Nikon DSLR and GoPro cameras, according to Ars Technica.
Photography has been integral to space exploration since the Apollo era. During the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, the first humans on the moon used modified Hasselblad cameras to document their historic steps.
