**Five Apple Products That Have Been to Space**
The blend of technology and space exploration has resulted in some unexpected collaborations, particularly involving Apple and various space agencies and organizations. While the space sector is commonly linked to custom-built computers, Apple products have made their presence felt in space missions, whether commercial or led by NASA. Here are five significant Apple products that have been utilized in space.
### iPads
The iPad is arguably the most prominent Apple product utilized in space. NASA astronauts routinely rely on iPads as electronic notebooks on the International Space Station (ISS). These devices feature Velcro on the back, enabling them to be attached to walls or various surfaces for effortless access during experiments and tasks.
SpaceX also relies heavily on iPads for crewed missions within its Crew Dragon spacecraft. Crew members are often observed using iPad minis as pilot kneeboards, which deliver vital information during launch and flight. Astronauts have even leveraged iMessage and the camera app to connect with ground controllers, highlighting the device’s versatility.
On the ground, iPads are essential in preparing SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft for launch. Closeout crew members utilize them to monitor procedures and record seals for confirmation by off-site engineers.
### AirPods Pro
Initially perceived as solely personal gadgets, Apple’s AirPods have found utility in space missions. Virgin Galactic, recognized for its suborbital space tourism flights, employed first-generation AirPods Pro for communication with crew members during initial flights. During the “Galactic 01” test flight, crew members donned AirPods with straps to prevent them from drifting away, likely using them for interactions with ground controllers.
However, as Virgin Galactic advanced, they switched to custom earpieces, signaling the conclusion of AirPods’ unofficial status as the favored communication device for commercial astronauts.
### iPods
The iPod boasts a lengthy history in space, with astronauts packing them for personal enjoyment since the days of the iPod Classic. Astronauts are permitted to bring a limited selection of personal items, often including iPods for enjoying music during their missions. Although the iPod has seen diminished use with the rise of the iPhone, it remains a nostalgic piece of technology tied to space travel.
### Macintosh Portable
One of the first unaltered Apple products sent to space was the Macintosh Portable, which flew on the Space Shuttle in the early 1990s. Its main objective was to test graphical user interfaces and cursor control in a microgravity setting. Before this, astronauts had solely utilized keyboard-operated computers, making the Macintosh Portable a significant advancement in exploring new input methods in space.
The testing created memorable instances, such as astronaut Bill Shepard ejecting a floppy disk in space. Although NASA eventually transitioned to ThinkPads for their user-friendly design, the Macintosh Portable laid the groundwork for future technological progressions in space computing.
### Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the latest Apple device to venture into space. While primarily used for personal functions by astronauts aboard the ISS, it has also participated in formal research. During the Inspiration4 mission, the Apple Watch was employed in a medical study to evaluate how time spent in space impacts the human body.
Given the success of the Apple Watch and its incorporation into existing protocols, it is likely to become a standard tool for NASA in upcoming missions, including those focused on exploring the Moon and Mars.
In summary, Apple products have established a distinct presence in the field of space exploration, showcasing their adaptability and dependability in some of the most extreme environments known to humanity. As technology progresses, it will be fascinating to observe how these devices further integrate into future space missions.
