The spacesuits worn by the Artemis II crew during the lunar mission have a completely new feature for space missions. iPhone. Each has a pocket iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone had to pass all the security tests to be approved for the mission – but the preparation was totally worth it…
This year marks the first time that smartphones have been approved for long-term use during a space mission. Factors considered include everything from the potential hazard of a small loose object sliding around the cabin to the risks associated with a potentially broken screen.
We have recently learned about some cases that have received approval to carry four iPhone 17 Pro Max models. We even saw one of these tucked into a spacesuit pocket a clip of one passing between the astronauts during launch preparations as well.
Cameras have been carried on spacecraft since the first crewed missions – the first medium format models, then professional DSLRs like the Nikon D5. These pro cameras made it possible to take high-quality photos, and no one is suggesting that iPhones replace them.
As with additional cameras, the small size of the devices allowed them to be used to provide some unique perspectives, including selfies.
It’s obviously a lot of fun, really helping to accomplish missions for the rest of us on Earth.
But the ability to take a selfie in space actually plays a more valuable role than putting a smile on our face. There’s something about the familiarity of the format and the use of a device that many people carry around in their pocket every day that makes the Artemis mission kind of approachable. It humanizes travel in a way that more formal photography doesn’t.
Indeed, one of the iPhone photos was a behind-the-scenes shot of astronaut Jeremy Hansen using his Nikon D5 to capture a more formal image (top image).
If people feel more engaged with this mission, it will increase public support for what follows. At a time when various politicians are questioning NASA’s budget, public support for future manned space missions plays an important role in helping politicians secure the required funding.
iPhone photos in Artemis photos could be worth billions to NASA.
Photos: NASA
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