NASA Astronauts Allowed to Bring Phones on Upcoming Moon Mission

NASA is taking a significant step forward in space exploration by allowing astronauts to bring smartphones on upcoming missions. This policy change will first be implemented during the Crew-12 mission and the Artemis II mission.

Upcoming NASA Missions

The Crew-12 mission is slated to launch to the International Space Station as early as next week. Meanwhile, the Artemis II mission, which aims to take humans around the moon for the first time since the 1960s, has been pushed back and is now scheduled for March.

Enhancing Astronaut Experience

This groundbreaking decision aims to give astronauts the ability to capture extraordinary moments in space. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed that this initiative will help crews share inspiring images and videos with their families and the public.

• Astronauts can use the latest iPhones and Android devices.
• Smartphones will facilitate spontaneous image and video capturing.
• This approach could lead to some of NASA’s most well-documented space journeys.

Impact on Space Documentation

Imagine astronauts becoming TikTok stars or taking ultra-wide-angle selfies in zero gravity. This new ability will significantly enhance how these missions are documented and shared with audiences on Earth.

Expedited Approval Process

The approval for this technology was swift, marking a significant shift in NASA’s approach to incorporating modern hardware into space missions. Isaacman noted that challenging long-standing processes was essential for this advancement.

He stated, “That operational urgency will serve NASA well as we pursue the highest-value science and research in orbit and on the lunar surface.”

Technological Transition in Spaceflight

Previously, astronauts relied on older equipment like Nikon DSLRs and GoPros, which, while effective, did not offer the same flexibility as smartphones. The introduction of modern devices promises a refreshingly spontaneous experience for crews.

Smartphones in Space History

This isn’t the first time that smartphones have made their way into space. SpaceX had permitted the use of smartphones during its private astronaut missions, paving the way for NASA’s current policy change.

As NASA prepares for these exciting missions, the integration of smartphones represents a new era in space exploration and communication.