NASA now allows astronauts to bring an iPhone aboard during the Artemis II mission to the Moon

Brief overview of tablets on the Artemis II mission

During flight preparation it became known that astronauts were granted permission to bring not only laptops and specialized devices but also Apple smartphones. This information first came to light after participants encountered problems with the Outlook mail client.

Why an iPhone appeared
- In March 2024 NASA issued every crew member a personal iPhone during pre‑flight quarantine.
- On board Artemis II, footage already shows astronauts holding silver devices – confirming that smartphone use has become standard.

How the phone will be used
During the flight to the Moon and back there is no connection with onboard systems or the internet, so the iPhone will serve only for:
1. Photography – interior of the capsule and views from the viewport.
2. Video recordings – personal material and content for social media.

Alongside the iPhone 17 Pro Max on board are two Nikon D5 (2016) cameras and four GoPro Hero 11 (2022). As a result, the smartphone is considered the most modern equipment for photo‑shooting in the capsule.

Approval procedure
Introducing new equipment into a habitable spacecraft typically follows a four‑stage process:
1. Risk assessment (e.g., potential glass breakage if damaged).
2. Development of mitigating measures.
3. Approval by a special commission.
4. Launch of the device into flight.

NASA and Apple jointly discussed mounting methods for smartphones – from Velcro to placing the iPhone in a zippered pocket of the flight suit. Consequently, the smartphones received approval for extended spaceflight both above orbit and beyond it.

Historical context
Since 2011 private‑mission astronauts have already taken smartphones into space. Artemis II continues this tradition, but does so officially with a full set of safety measures.