"Mom, I'm on the Moon and wearing a hat": NASA will allow astronauts to take a smartphone on a flight for the first time

The head of NASA, Jared Isaacman, announced a review of the rules, which previously did not allow astronauts to take smartphones on space missions. But times are rapidly changing, and participants of Crew-12 and Artemis II missions will finally be able to take a space selfie.

What is known

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) previously used certified Nikon and GoPro cameras for documentation aboard spacecraft, but now expedition participants will be able to take photos and videos on their smartphones.

It is still unknown which models will be allowed in space: media information varies, but there is no doubt that the latest iPhone models will be on the list of approved gadgets. Some sources mention Android models that will undergo accelerated qualification for flights.

In addition to photos and videos for the family archive, astronauts will use smartphones for reports, recording various situations, and other work tasks.

Crew-12 will depart for the ISS shortly, and the Artemis II expedition, during which a man will orbit the Moon for the first time since the 1960s, will take place in March 2026.

Source: @NASAAdmin