NASA astronauts are set to venture further into space than any humans in history, and they will be documenting the journey with a tool familiar to millions: the Apple iPhone. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed that crews participating in a landmark lunar flyby as part of the Artemis program, as well as an upcoming International Space Station mission this February, will be equipped with the latest smartphones to capture and share their experiences.
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This move marks a significant departure from traditional agency protocols. While commercial space flights have utilized smartphones for roughly a decade—including Isaacman’s own private mission in 2024—this is the first time such devices have been officially licensed for flight aboard a NASA spacecraft. NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens noted that while iPhones are the current choice, the agency may certify other devices in the future.
The shift is a direct result of Isaacman’s initiative to streamline NASA’s operations. By challenging long-standing bureaucratic processes and qualifying modern hardware on an expedited timeline, the agency aims to harness private-sector innovation more effectively. This strategy aligns with a broader push to accelerate NASA’s objectives by reducing red tape and deepening partnerships with firms like Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
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Historically, it is rare for off-the-shelf consumer products to make it into space due to the arduous testing required for the extreme environment. One of the few famous examples is the Omega Speedmaster Professional, which became the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo missions. While that historic timepiece now sits in the Smithsonian, the new mission ensures that the next generation of lunar images will be captured on devices that the public carries in their pockets every day.
