The era of grainy, decades-old photography from space is drawing to a close. NASA is updating its policies to allow astronauts to bring modern smartphones on missions, starting with the ongoing SpaceX Crew-12 and the upcoming Artemis II lunar flyby. This shift aims to provide crews with tools to document personal moments and share inspiring visuals with the public, marking a significant change in how space exploration is captured and shared.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the policy change on February 5, 2026, via a post 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. Just as important, we challenged long-standing…” The move represents a departure from the agency’s reliance on specialized, and often outdated, imaging equipment. This new approach to space photography promises to bring a more immediate and personal perspective to missions.
Until recently, astronauts primarily used 2016 Nikon DSLR cameras and GoPro devices to document their experiences, according to reporting from Ars Technica. Whereas these tools have served their purpose, they lack the convenience and widespread accessibility of modern smartphones. The integration of smartphones into space missions will allow for easier sharing of images and videos, potentially fostering greater public engagement with space exploration.
Apple confirmed that the iPhone has been “fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond,” marking the first time the device has met NASA’s stringent requirements for spaceflight. A spokesperson for Apple noted this qualification in an email to CNET. NASA has not yet specified which smartphone brands or models will be permitted, but the iPhone’s qualification signals a significant step forward in the integration of consumer technology into space travel.
The SpaceX Crew-12 mission, which launched on February 13, 2026, and docked with the International Space Station on February 14, 2026, is the first to benefit from the new policy. The Artemis II mission, slated for launch in March 2026, will send four astronauts on a 10-day flight around the moon and back to Earth, providing another opportunity to test and showcase the capabilities of smartphones in a space environment. NASA’s Artemis II mission is a crucial step in establishing a long-term human presence on the moon.
This isn’t the first time photography has been central to space exploration. During the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, astronauts used specially modified Hasselblad cameras to capture iconic images of the lunar surface, including the famous “Earthrise” photograph. These images not only documented the missions but also captivated the world, inspiring generations to look to the stars. The use of smartphones represents a continuation of this tradition, albeit with a more accessible and versatile tool.
The decision to allow smartphones on missions also addresses a practical need for astronauts to stay connected with their families. The ability to easily capture and share personal photos and videos can help mitigate the emotional challenges of long-duration spaceflight. This focus on crew well-being underscores NASA’s commitment to supporting astronauts both professionally and personally.
As the Artemis program progresses and human space exploration expands, the role of smartphones is likely to grow. Future missions may notice astronauts using smartphones for a wider range of tasks, including scientific data collection, communication, and even virtual reality experiences. The integration of this everyday technology into the extreme environment of space represents a fascinating intersection of innovation and exploration.
The use of smartphones in space missions is poised to transform how we experience and understand space exploration. The increased accessibility of high-quality images and videos will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. What remains to be seen is how astronauts will utilize this new capability to document their journeys and share the wonders of space with the world.
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