Wednesday wasn't just another day; it marked a pivotal moment in space exploration with the launch of the Artemis II mission, destined for lunar orbit. While celebrations of a tech giant’s anniversary occurred, the true story unfolded hundreds of miles above Earth, carried within the Orion spacecraft.
Among the sophisticated equipment accompanying the astronauts, a surprising piece of technology made the journey: the iPhone 17 Pro. This wasn’t a casual addition; NASA recently authorized astronauts to bring smartphones into space, a crucial step in validating the technology for future missions.
The discovery came thanks to keen-eyed space journalist Owen Sparks, who spotted the device in NASA’s own video footage. Initial clips showed a NASA assistant carefully placing a smartphone into an astronaut’s suit pocket, the phone’s exact model initially obscured.
Subsequent footage offered a clearer view. Inside the Orion cabin, an astronaut effortlessly floated a phone to a crewmate. The unmistakable three-camera array confirmed its identity as an iPhone 17 Pro, finished in a sleek silver – a missed opportunity for the vibrant Cosmic Orange, perhaps.
A curious detail caught Sparks’ attention: a black circle on the phone’s side. It wasn’t a secret new camera, but a practical solution for zero gravity – a velcro patch designed to secure the iPhone to suits and surfaces within the spacecraft.
Apple has remained silent regarding this particular mission, but previously acknowledged NASA’s approval as a landmark achievement. This marks the first time an iPhone has been fully certified for prolonged use in the harsh environment of orbit and beyond.
This isn’t the iPhone’s first venture into space. Back in 2011, two iPhone 4s accompanied a space shuttle crew, but their role was limited. They weren’t for personal use, instead running a specialized app containing vital instructions for experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station.
The Artemis II mission represents a significant evolution. Now, the iPhone isn’t just a tool for research; it’s a fully integrated part of the astronaut experience, a testament to the device’s durability and reliability in the ultimate testing ground.
