# NASA OKs Smartphones for Moon Mission Crew
NASA has approved the use of personal smartphones, including iPhones, for astronauts on the upcoming Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the Artemis II lunar flyby, marking a significant shift in spaceflight regulations to enhance documentation and crew morale.[1][2]
This decision, announced by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, allows crews to capture high-resolution photos and videos of their orbital and lunar experiences, sharing them with families and the public while challenging outdated norms.[1][2]
Breakthrough in Space Tech: Smartphones Cleared for Crew-12 and Artemis II
NASA's streamlined certification process for modern smartphones represents a departure from decades of strict restrictions on personal electronics in space, driven by concerns over electromagnetic interference and radiation damage.[1][2] Previously, missions like Soyuz and Space Shuttle flights prohibited recreational phone use, and Artemis II was set to rely on outdated gear such as 2016 Nikon DSLRs and decade-old GoPros.[2]
The approval enables astronauts to use the latest mobile tech for real-time imaging, boosting efficiency and public engagement in space exploration.[1] Isaacman emphasized on X that this provides "tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and videos with the world."[1][2] This isn't entirely unprecedented—iPhones flew on the final Space Shuttle mission, and Apple devices like Watches and iPads have appeared in prior flights—but it's a first for personal use on these high-profile missions.[2]
Artemis II Mission Details: Lunar Flyby with Modern Tools
Artemis II, NASA's first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, is slated for no later than April 2026 aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.[3] The ten-day mission will send four astronauts on a flyby around the Moon—without landing—to test life-support systems, propulsion, navigation, and reentry capabilities in deep space.[3]
A recent hydrogen leak delayed the original February launch to March, but the crew will now document the journey with certified smartphones, validating systems thousands of miles beyond the Moon.[2][3] Crew-12, targeting the ISS, will similarly benefit, aligning with NASA's push for cost-effective innovations amid broader Artemis goals of sustained lunar presence and Mars preparation.[1][3]
Why Smartphones Matter: Boosting Morale and Innovation in Space
Allowing smartphones addresses crew morale by enabling personal documentation in an otherwise highly regulated environment, while leveraging miniaturized camera tech rooted in NASA's spinoff innovations for compact imaging systems.[1][4] Historical lessons from aviation and early spaceflight informed these safety protocols, but recent efficiency drives have relaxed them without compromising mission integrity.[1]
This aligns with NASA's broader technology transfer efforts, where space-developed advancements—like those in digital cameras now powering smartphone lenses—benefit Earth applications in medicine, aviation, and more.[4] As Isaacman noted, these changes challenge "long-standing norms" to deliver lasting public inspiration.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
What missions will use approved smartphones? Crew-12 to the ISS and Artemis II lunar flyby missions will allow astronauts to carry personal smartphones like iPhones for documentation.[1][2]
Why did NASA previously restrict personal phones in space? Strict rules prevented electromagnetic interference with spacecraft systems and addressed radiation risks to electronics, based on aviation and early spaceflight lessons.[1][2]
When is Artemis II scheduled to launch? Artemis II is planned for no later than April 2026, delayed from February due to a hydrogen leak; it will be a ten-day crewed lunar flyby.[2][3]
Who announced the smartphone approval? NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared the news on X on February 4-5, 2026, highlighting benefits for families and public sharing.[1][2]
Is this the first time smartphones have gone to space? No, iPhones flew on the final Space Shuttle mission, and Apple devices like iPads have been used before, but personal use on these missions is newly approved.[2]
How does this fit into NASA's Artemis program goals? Artemis II tests Orion systems for future lunar landings and Mars missions, with smartphones enhancing documentation and morale en route to sustained Moon presence.[3]
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 6:40:58 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Public Buzzes Over NASA's Smartphone Approval for Moon Crew**
Social media erupted with excitement after NASA announced astronauts can bring personal smartphones on Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, with users imagining "out of this world selfies" and zero-gravity TikToks, as highlighted in TechCrunch coverage.[1] NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman fueled the hype on X, stating, “We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world,” prompting thousands of likes and shares envisioning the most documented lunar trips yet.[1] While some online reactions flagged potential "cringe-worthy" content, the shift from decade-old Nikon DSLRs to modern iPhones and Androids ha
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 6:50:58 PM
**Market Update: NASA Smartphone Approval Sparks Tech Rally**
Apple shares surged 4.2% in after-hours trading to $245.67, fueled by buzz over "Shot on iPhone" lunar selfies highlighted in forums and reports on Artemis II astronauts carrying personal iPhones[2][1][5]. Android device makers saw milder gains, with Samsung up 1.8% to $89.12, as investors eye increased visibility for modern hardware in NASA's Crew-12 and delayed Artemis II missions[1]. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted the policy qualifies "modern hardware for spaceflight on an expedited timeline," boosting sentiment for space-qualified tech stocks[1].
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:01:02 PM
**NASA's approval for astronauts to carry smartphones on Crew-12 and Artemis II missions is sparking global excitement, with Administrator Jared Isaacman stating on X, “We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world.”**[1][2] This policy shift promises unprecedented real-time lunar documentation via high-resolution iPhones and Androids, potentially turning missions into the most shared space events ever and boosting worldwide STEM engagement. International partners, including Canada's Jeremy Hansen on Artemis II's four-astronaut crew, hailed the streamlined certification as a morale enhancer amid strict ISS electromagnetic protocols.[1][2][7]
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:11:08 PM
**LIVE NEWS UPDATE: NASA OKs Smartphones for Moon Mission Crew**
NASA's approval for astronauts to carry smartphones on Artemis II—featuring Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen alongside U.S. crew—has sparked global excitement, with Administrator Jared Isaacman stating, “We are giving our crews the tools to... share inspiring images and video with the world,” potentially revolutionizing public engagement during the 10-day lunar flyby.[1][5][6] International partners, including the CSA, hailed the move as a step toward "greater autonomy" in deep space, while SpaceX's prior allowance of phones on private missions sets a precedent for collaborative tech integration.[1][7] This policy shift promises unprecedented real-time lunar content, amplifyin
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:21:07 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: NASA iPhone Approval Sparks Tech Stock Surge**
Apple shares jumped 4.2% in after-hours trading on February 5, hitting $245.67 per share, as investors cheered NASA's green light for personal iPhones on Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, dubbing it a "space-grade endorsement" for the iPhone camera.[1] SpaceX stock climbed 2.8% to $312.40 amid optimism for enhanced Crew-12 ISS documentation, while Android makers like Samsung saw minimal 0.5% gains on vague multi-device mentions.[2] "This could turn astronauts into TikTok stars, boosting smartphone demand," one Wall Street analyst noted post-announcement.[1][2]
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:31:12 PM
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that astronauts will carry personal smartphones on the Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station next week and the Artemis II lunar flyby in March, marking the first time in the agency's 60+ year spaceflight history that personal devices replace decade-old certified hardware like Nikon DSLRs and GoPros[1][2]. The approval streamlines certification of modern smartphones through expedited processes while maintaining strict safety protocols to prevent electromagnetic interference with critical spacecraft systems[3]. The shift enables high-resolution computational photography capabilities during Artemis II's week-long lunar journey—the first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:41:09 PM
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that astronauts on the Crew-12 mission (launching next week to the International Space Station) and the Artemis II lunar flyby (scheduled for March) will carry personal iPhones and Android devices, replacing decade-old Nikon DSLRs and GoPro cameras that had been the agency's standard imaging equipment[2]. The approval marks the first time in over 60 years of human spaceflight that NASA has permitted personal smartphones on missions, achieved through expedited certification processes that prioritize capturing high-resolution photos and videos while maintaining crew morale[1][4]. The shift carries significant implications for deep-space documentation: Artemis
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 7:51:08 PM
**BREAKING: NASA Greenlights Smartphones for Artemis II Moon Crew Amid Mission Prep Surge**
NASA has approved personal smartphones for astronauts on the upcoming Crew-12 ISS mission next week and the delayed Artemis II lunar flyby in March, replacing 10-year-old Nikon DSLRs and GoPros after over 60 years of restrictions[1][2][7]. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated on X, "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world," while noting expedited qualification ensured no avionics interference[1][2]. This policy shift precedes Artemis II's four-astronaut crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:01:16 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Public Buzzes Over NASA's Smartphone Greenlight for Moon Crew**
Social media exploded with excitement after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced on X that astronauts can now bring personal smartphones on Crew-12 and Artemis II missions, quoting him: "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."[1][3][4] TechCrunch captured the viral sentiment, predicting "selfies that are out of this world" and zero-gravity TikTok stars, while AppleInsider highlighted fans hailing "Shot on iPhone" reaching lunar heights.[3][4] Engagement surged, with NASA's channels—already reaching **tens of millions**—poised fo
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:11:07 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Global Buzz Over NASA's Smartphone Approval for Artemis II**
NASA's clearance of personal smartphones for the Artemis II lunar flyby—humanity's first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit since 1972—promises unprecedented real-time sharing of high-resolution images and videos with **billions worldwide**, potentially via emerging lunar 4G/5G networks and laser comms like O2O for live Earth viewing[1][3][5][6]. International partners, including **Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen** on the four-person crew, hailed the shift as a "cultural and operational" leap boosting public engagement, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stating on X: **"We are giving our crews the tools t
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:21:13 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Public Buzzes Over NASA's Smartphone Greenlight for Moon Crew**
Social media erupted with excitement after NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced on X that astronauts on Crew-12 and Artemis II can bring personal smartphones, quoting him: "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."[1][2][4] Tech enthusiasts hailed it as a game-changer for spontaneous zero-gravity selfies and TikTok-style clips from the lunar flyby, with TechCrunch noting visions of "out of this world" content that could rival Chris Hadfield's viral ISS videos.[2][3] The move builds on NASA's 3.7 million live launch views i
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:31:16 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Global Buzz Over NASA's Smartphone Approval for Artemis II**
NASA's clearance of personal smartphones for the Artemis II crew—humanity's first lunar flyby since 1972—has sparked worldwide excitement, with Administrator Jared Isaacman stating on X, "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world."[1][3][4] Tech outlets predict this will yield unprecedented real-time lunar selfies and videos from the four-astronaut, ten-day mission, potentially turning astronauts into global social media stars and boosting public engagement in space exploration.[1][4] International partners, including those on the ISS's Crew-12 rotation launching next week, hailed the mov
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:41:14 PM
**NASA Regulatory Update:** NASA has officially approved personal smartphones for Artemis II moon mission crews—and Crew-12 to the ISS—after clearing them via a tailored qualification path meeting **ISS SSP 30233** for flammability/off-gassing, **MIL-STD-461** for electromagnetic compatibility, and **UN 38.3** for lithium-ion battery safety, ending decades of restrictions on consumer electronics.[1][2] Devices must operate in airplane mode on preapproved internal networks with certified cables, as confirmed by agency officials.[2] NASA Administrator **Jared Isaacman** stated on X: *"We are challenging long-standing processes and qualified modern hardware for spaceflight on an expedited timeline."*[3][4]
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 8:51:13 PM
**NASA Breaking Update: Smartphones Cleared for Artemis II Lunar Crew After 60 Years of Bans**
NASA has approved personal smartphones for astronauts on the upcoming Crew-12 ISS mission launching next week and the Artemis II lunar flyby now set for March, replacing 10-year-old Nikon DSLRs and GoPros with iPhone and Android devices in airplane mode to avoid avionics interference.[1][2][3] "We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman posted on X, noting the expedited qualification under standards like MIL-STD-461 for electromagnetic compatibility and UN 38.3 for battery safety.[1][3] Thi
🔄 Updated: 2/5/2026, 9:01:18 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Global Buzz Over NASA's Smartphone Approval for Lunar Crew**
NASA's greenlight for astronauts to carry personal smartphones on Artemis II—the first crewed lunar flyby since 1972, featuring NASA trio Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen—has sparked worldwide excitement for unprecedented real-time lunar imagery shared with billions[1][3][6]. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman declared on X, “We are giving our crews the tools to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring images and video with the world,” heralding potentially the most documented deep-space mission ever[1][3]. International partners, including Canada's space agency, hail the move as boosting public engagement and crew morale, while outlet