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 used in their 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 floated a phone to a crewmate, revealing the unmistakable three-camera array of the iPhone 17 Pro. A silver model was chosen for the mission, a subtle detail noted by observers.
A curious black circle on the phone’s side sparked speculation, but Sparks quickly identified it as a practical solution for zero gravity: a velcro patch. This simple addition would allow astronauts to secure the iPhone to their suits and within the spacecraft.
Apple has remained silent regarding this particular mission, but previously acknowledged NASA’s approval as a landmark achievement. It signified the first time an iPhone was fully qualified for prolonged use in the harsh environment of orbit and beyond.
This isn’t the iPhone’s first venture into space, however. Back in 2011, two iPhone 4s accompanied a space shuttle crew, but their purpose was far more specialized. They weren’t for personal use, but instead ran an app containing vital step-by-step instructions for experiments conducted on the International Space Station.
The Artemis II mission represents a new chapter in this story, showcasing the iPhone’s potential as a versatile tool for astronauts, extending beyond scientific experiments to become an integrated part of space travel.
