NASA’s Artemis II mission is making history as it prepares to travel farther into space than any crewed mission before, by slingshotting around the moon. The journey, which marks many firsts, includes the first-time participation of both a woman and a Black astronaut traveling to the moon, and the first crewed launch of NASA’s Artemis program since 1972, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface. Uniquely, the crew has taken iPhones into space for the first time, specifically the iPhone 17 Pro Max, using the devices to capture and document their journey.
The mission’s crew includes Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, who have shared dramatic selfies from the Orion spacecraft using these iPhones, showcasing images like the view of Earth from space. Despite the lack of internet or Bluetooth connectivity, the devices are being utilized effectively for photography, helping share the mission’s progress with those back on Earth. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman mentioned that integrating modern hardware like the iPhone helps capture special moments for astronauts’ families and offers a fresh perspective on space missions.
Previous to launch, the team was given approval to bring the iPhones, which were used during their pre-flight quarantine. Apple noted it was a notable achievement for their devices to be qualified for such extensive use in space. The team’s social media presence is maintained on Earth by NASA’s social media coordinator, Camille, who posts the crew’s content and images on their behalf. This mission not only advances space exploration but also brings modern technology into the fold, marking a new era of digital documentation in the cosmos.