Recently, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman made a groundbreaking announcement regarding a new policy at NASA that could allow astronauts to bring their iPhones on the upcoming NASA mission.
Artemis II is scheduled for a March 2026 launch and will mark the first crewed flight to go beyond low Earth orbit in over fifty years. The mission aims to send four astronauts on a figure-eight flyby around the Moon, technically known as a Lunar Free-Return Trajectory.
While the idea of astronauts using iPhones to capture and share moments from the mission is exciting, the process of testing these devices for space travel could be lengthy. NASA’s decision to allow smartphones on space missions is driven by the need for both scientific research and public engagement.
Prior to this policy shift, the most advanced camera planned for Artemis II was a DSLR from 2016. The inclusion of a modern smartphone like the iPhone 17 Pro could significantly enhance the astronauts’ ability to document the mission effectively.
Testing smartphones for space travel involves simulating launch and space conditions to ensure the device’s durability. This includes vacuum, thermal, acoustic, vibration, radiation testing, and electromagnetic compatibility checks.
Despite the potential benefits, the use of smartphones in space is still in the testing phase, and it remains to be seen if NASA will choose an iPhone or another smartphone for the mission.
While live social media updates from space are not yet feasible, advancements in technology are paving the way for future missions to have high-speed communication links. For now, any images or videos captured by astronauts will be relayed back to Earth through NASA’s Deep Space Network.
Imagine the impact of seeing images and videos taken by an iPhone from the Moon or inside the shuttle. It’s a thrilling prospect that highlights the intersection of technology and space exploration.
