Astronomers of Artemis 2 Mission Use iPhone 17 to Capture Images of Earth

More than fifty years ago, the crew of the legendary Apollo 8 mission captured a landmark photograph of the Earth rising above the lunar horizon, a moment that forever changed our perception of the planet. Today, astronauts on the Artemis 2 mission are observing our world through a completely different lens — a standard iPhone, specifically the newest model, the iPhone 17.

The Orion spacecraft, which is executing the Artemis 2 mission, is currently on its way home after orbiting the far side of the Moon, setting a record for the farthest distance a human has traveled in space. During live broadcasts from the spacecraft, familiar gadgets can often be seen floating freely in the astronauts' cabin.

It has been revealed that astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen have been officially permitted to bring the iPhone 17 on board. Although they cannot connect to the internet directly from lunar orbit — as internet access on the devices is blocked — this does not prevent the crew from capturing stunning silhouette shots against the backdrop of the planet. Footage from the spacecraft frequently shows astronauts tossing the phone from hand to hand in zero gravity to help a colleague take a picture, as reported by Space.

Mission Commander Wiseman candidly admitted to controllers in Houston during one of the broadcasts that mobile photography in space is a unique process. According to him, trying to capture a clear shot of Earth through the window is akin to stepping out into your backyard in the evening and attempting to photograph the Moon with a standard smartphone. However, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen found a practical application for the gadget: he used the phone's screen as a mirror to shave before the historic flyby.

The decision to allow astronauts to use smartphones on board was made by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. His logic is straightforward: the crew should have convenient tools to capture personal moments that can later be shared with their families or posted on social media. Isaacman had already introduced civilian electronics into space during the private Inspiration4 mission in 2021, where iPhone 12 and Apple Watch devices were used to gather biometric data. Now, NASA is attempting to break through old bureaucratic barriers by swiftly certifying modern technology for flights.

Thus, the Artemis 2 mission not only continues the traditions of space exploration but also opens new horizons for the use of modern technology in space. Astronauts have the opportunity to document their experiences and share them with families and fans, making space travel even more accessible to a broader audience.