NASA clears the iPhone to go to space

Source: Mashable Tech

Apple’s iPhone may be one of the most popular phones on Earth, but it’s about to start conquering space as well.

According to NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, NASA astronauts are now cleared to take smartphones into space, beginning with the SpaceX Crew‑12 and Artemis II missions.

“We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world,”
—Jared Isaacman on X

Missions Involved

• SpaceX Crew‑12 – a planned mission to send up to four astronauts to the International Space Station aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft. The launch is scheduled for sometime after Feb. 11, 2026.
• Artemis II – a mission to send a crew of astronauts to orbit the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. It is scheduled to launch no earlier than Mar. 6, 2026.

References

• NASA sets coverage for agency’s SpaceX Crew‑12 launch & docking
• Artemis II mission timeline & itinerary
• Artemis II mission purpose

iPhone Participation

While Isaacman didn’t specify which models, an Apple spokesperson confirmed to Mashable that the iPhone is among the phones that have received NASA’s green light. The exact models slated for spaceflight have not been disclosed.

Impact on Space Photography

Until now, astronauts relied on legacy cameras for orbital photography. Allowing smartphones like the iPhone to be used in space means crews can capture and share images more easily, promising a surge in stunning space photography for the public.