NASA Makes History: Astronauts Can Now Carry Smartphones to the Moon
In a groundbreaking move, NASA has officially permitted astronauts to carry personal smartphones on deep-space missions for the very first time. This decision includes allowing devices like iPhones on the upcoming Artemis II lunar flyby and the SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station, which will send astronauts to the Moon for the first time since 1972.
Why Smartphones Are Finally Heading to Deep Space
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman announced this update on social media, stating that the authorization aims to enable crews to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and videos with the world. He emphasized that this shift challenges long-standing processes and qualifies modern hardware for spaceflight on an expedited timeline, serving NASA's goals for high-value science and research.
Previously, personal smartphones were completely banned from deep-space missions due to safety risks, with only approved laptops and specialized gadgets allowed for communication. Astronauts had no direct way to send images or clips to their families or social media platforms. In space, without cell networks or internet, data must first go through NASA systems, involving a process where photos are saved and relayed via satellite links before being decoded and released.
Breaking the 'No-Phone Zone' Rule
This change reflects NASA's broader strategy to modernize and move away from the slow bureaucracy of the 1970s, aligning with contemporary technology. While Nikon DSLRs will still be used for high-contrast lunar surface imagery, smartphones can easily capture behind-the-scenes glimpses. The decision also highlights how modern consumer electronics, such as smartphones, are often more capable than custom-built tech from NASA's past.
Safety Concerns That Kept Phones Out of Space
Deep space was historically a no-phone zone for several critical reasons:
- Radiation risks: Phone radiation could damage modern chips.
- Interference issues: Electronic devices might disrupt spacecraft systems.
- Battery hazards: Overheating phone batteries posed safety threats.
Despite these concerns, there have been instances of smartphones in space, such as Samsung's Nexus S on the space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station, where NASA granted limited use. For Artemis II, approved equipment includes a 2016 Nikon DSLR and decade-old GoPro cameras, showing a gradual integration of newer tech.
From Apollo 17 to Artemis II: A Technological Leap
The transition from the 1972 Apollo 17 mission to Artemis II represents a massive technological upgrade. Apollo relied on the Saturn V rocket and test pilots, while Artemis II uses the Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket ever built, offering 15% more thrust. The Orion capsule provides 60% more living space than the Apollo Command Module, with modern amenities like a sustainable solar power system and a functional toilet.
Computing power has seen the most dramatic change. The Apollo Guidance Computer had less memory than a modern digital watch, but Orion's glass cockpit is powered by high-speed flight computers that are 20,000 times faster and hold 128,000 times more memory. This advancement enables consumer technology, like iPhones, to participate in missions, bridging the analogue past with our digital future.
