NASA Approves iPhone 17 Pro Max for Artemis II Astronauts
NASA has officially approved the iPhone 17 Pro Max for use by astronauts on the Artemis II mission. This landmark decision marks the first occasion where NASA has authorized each crew member to utilize their iPhones for capturing photos and videos during their journey to the Moon.
NASA’s Use of iPhones on Artemis II
Earlier this year, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman indicated that astronauts would be permitted to use the latest smartphones on the mission. The Artemis II crew members are currently equipped with four iPhone 17 Pro Max devices, traveling at an impressive speed of 25,000 miles per hour towards lunar orbit.
Limitations of the iPhone in Space
While these devices can take photos and videos, they come with significant restrictions. According to NASA, the iPhones cannot connect to the internet or utilize Bluetooth functionalities. This means their primary function will be limited to photography and videography only.
Approval Process for Flight
The approval of the iPhone 17 Pro Max for spaceflight involved a rigorous four-phase safety process. Tobias Niederwieser, an assistant research professor at BioServe Space Technologies, outlined the steps required:
- Phase One: Introduction of the hardware to a safety panel.
- Phase Two: Identification of potential hazards, including moving parts and materials.
- Phase Three: Development of a plan to mitigate those hazards.
- Phase Four: Verification of the plan’s effectiveness.
Technical Features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is equipped with Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is more durable than any other smartphone glass currently available. NASA’s approval process required careful consideration of various factors beyond shatter resistance, aimed at ensuring the safety of both the astronauts and the spacecraft.
NASA also explored innovative ways to secure the devices within the Orion capsule, considering solutions like Velcro for mounting. Some phones were packed into flight suits for safeguarding during launch.
Additional Photography Equipment
In addition to the iPhones, the Artemis II crew will have access to several other cameras. They will utilize four GoPro Hero 11 cameras and two Nikon D5 bodies. These tools are expected to complement the footage captured with the iPhones.
Looking to the Future
As the mission unfolds, it remains to be seen what type of photos and videos the astronauts will capture with their iPhones. Enthusiasts can stay updated on their experiences and visual documentation by following the mission’s official channels.
