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NASA has announced a historic policy shift that will allow astronauts to carry their personal smartphones to space for the first time, marking a significant departure from decades of relying solely on specialized cameras. The new policy will begin with the upcoming Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, according to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
The Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch next week, while the highly anticipated Artemis II mission has been postponed until next March. Artemis II will be the first crewed mission to fly around the Moon since the Apollo program in the 1960s.
NASA Astronauts to Document Space Missions with Personal Smartphones
In a post on his official X account, Isaacman explained the rationale behind allowing smartphones in space. “We are providing our crews with the tools to capture special moments with their families and share inspiring photos and videos with the entire world,” he said.
This decision enables astronauts to use the latest iPhone and Android devices to capture photographs and record videos in a more spontaneous and automatic manner than ever before. The missions could become the most extensively documented in NASA history, offering the public on Earth unprecedented access to details never before seen.
Enhanced Documentation Capabilities
The introduction of personal smartphones opens up possibilities for unique content creation from space. Astronauts may share challenges related to zero gravity on platforms like TikTok or capture panoramic selfies inside space capsules, providing fresh perspectives on space travel.
However, the transition represents a significant technological shift for the space agency. Isaacman noted in his statement that the team “challenged procedures that have been established for decades and adopted modern equipment for space flights on an accelerated timeline.” He added that this operational readiness would contribute to maximizing scientific and research benefits both in orbit and on the lunar surface.
Balancing Innovation with Safety Standards
Adopting new technologies for space missions is subject to stringent safety standards, as even minor malfunctions can lead to catastrophic consequences. Until now, NASA has relied on Nikon digital DSLR cameras, some dating back a decade, along with GoPro cameras, according to a report by Ars Technica.
Additionally, while these cameras remain functional, smartphones offer greater flexibility and creativity in documentation. The devices provide astronauts with advanced imaging capabilities, instant communication potential, and user-friendly interfaces that professional space cameras may lack.
Previous Smartphone Use in Space
Meanwhile, this is not the first time smartphones have reached space. SpaceX previously allowed private astronauts to use personal devices during their missions, setting a precedent for commercial spaceflight operations.
In contrast to NASA’s traditionally conservative approach to equipment certification, the space agency is now embracing consumer technology. This shift reflects broader changes in the aerospace industry, where commercial partners increasingly influence operational procedures and equipment choices.
The decision to allow personal smartphones represents part of NASA’s broader modernization efforts as the agency prepares for sustained lunar exploration and eventual Mars missions. By enabling astronauts to use familiar technology, NASA aims to improve crew morale, enhance public engagement, and capture higher-quality documentation of historic space missions.
As the Crew-12 mission prepares for launch next week, the space community will closely watch how personal smartphones perform in the demanding space environment and whether the policy becomes standard for future NASA missions beyond Artemis II.
