NASA Now Allowing Astronauts to Bring Their iPhones on Space Missions

[MacRumors]

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Wednesday announced that NASA astronauts will soon be permitted to fly with "the latest smartphones," beginning with the SpaceX Crew-12 and Artemis II missions over the next few months.

In an email, an Apple spokesperson said this will mark the first time the iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond.

NASA astronauts were previously not allowed to carry their own personal smartphones on space flights, but they did allow some approved DSLR cameras and other equipment. With smartphones, Isaacman said astronauts will be able to "capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."

It is unclear exactly which iPhone models have been qualified.

Article Link: NASA Now Allowing Astronauts to Bring Their iPhones on Space Missions

 

[AlexStudios]

Time for the first ever Shot on iPhone, shot in space.

 

[IceCool]

Actually kinda cool.

 

[jgdeschamps]

iPhone 17 Pro Max, compatible with Space 1.05.

EDIT: iPhone Air, not supported.

 

[notnotafanboy]

this is very cool

 

[repoman016]

Forget airplane mode. We need to turn on space mode!!!!

 

[nathan_reilly]

obviously unsupported on any models that can't do apple AI. Upgrade or die!!

 

[Glideslope]

Apple reaching for the stars?

 

[SnowPenguin]

So, does that mean they won't stop functioning due to space radiations?

 

[WilliApple]

Woah i can't wait to see iPhone pictures taken from space...

 

[Jakewilk]

So, does that mean they won't stop functioning due to space radiations?

They will eventually, but the affect isn’t instant; it’s not even very fast. iPhones may see more bit-flip related bugs while in use due to the lack of shielding and smallness of the the transistors. Files may randomly corrupt or develop issues as time goes on

 

[topocalypse]

Inside the station it is obviously higher than on earth, but not thatttttt much higher.
If the humans are still alive, then it’s nothing for the phone.

 

[vegetassj4]

One small step for man, one giant leap for selfiekind

 

[vertsix]

So, does that mean they won't stop functioning due to space radiations?

Would be an interesting field test for Apple's engineers.

 

[B4U]

Wait, you mean to tell me this old iOS wallpaper was not taken by iPhone in space? 🤣

 

[munpip214]

So, does that mean they won't stop functioning due to space radiations?

Possibly. But even the current Nikon z9 cameras that were sent up were physically unmodified, just had a custom firmware. The next batch of Z cameras they plan to send will have modifications to allow them to go outside the station into open space. So that needs special radiation and temperature considerations.

 

[BigBlur]

I thought I saw an iPhone floating around on a previous SpaceX mission?

EDIT: Probably thinking of the iPad, which has been allowed.

 

[Attirex]

iPhones. in. Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace

 

[jz0309]

Very cool indeed!

 

[MarkNewton2023]

NASA has their own logical reasons behind all their decisions. I admire them. I especially admire all astronauts who are so brave to adventure in space! Having allowed to have latest iPhone would be a great gift!! To be honest, having to endure in many many inconveniences like going to having to wear uncomfortable space suite and head wear, depending on oxygen flow in the suit, restroom and eat inconveniently are great sacrifices that I personally cannot do. So, allowing to have the latest iPhone could give a little relief somehow by being able to take space pictures for sharing with their love ones.

 

[macmac30]

Would be curious to know what their connection speed would be in space? Knowing NASA, it is probably a 14.4 baud connection. Hopefully they are utilizing Starlink! But how cool for the astronauts! I can't imagine how lonely it would be without being able to get texts from your family!!!

 

[rgeneral]

Did they make sure they got the correct roaming plans

 

[Oestreich Dieter]

Those roaming charges are going to be.....astronomical.....

I'll just show myself out.

 

[bladerunner88]

Ground Control to Major Tom.....

 

[alexandr]

But it has to be a Space Gray iPhone.