Artemis II crew clicks stunning space shots using iPhone 17 Pro Max

NASA has begun sharing early visuals from its latest lunar mission, offering a glimpse into life aboard the spacecraft. Interestingly, some of these images were captured using the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, hinting at a unique role for consumer tech in space.

iPhone cameras capture life beyond Earth

The ongoing Artemis II mission by NASA is not just about exploration but also documentation. Crew members, including Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman, have been capturing images of Earth and onboard activities from the Orion spacecraft.

Some of these shots, including selfies and cabin photos, were taken using the iPhone’s front camera, marking one of the highest-altitude uses of a smartphone camera.

While NASA has not disclosed metadata for all images, a few confirmed shots and consistent image quality suggest that iPhones were widely used inside the cabin. The images show astronauts floating in microgravity, observing Earth through windows, and managing systems in dimly lit environments.

How NASA approved iPhones for space

Before allowing the devices onboard, NASA subjected them to a rigorous multi-stage safety evaluation. This process examined risks such as glass breakage, material safety, and behaviour in a sealed, low-gravity environment. Despite the durability of Apple’s Ceramic Shield, additional precautions were considered to ensure crew safety.

The iPhones onboard are restricted to basic functions like photography and video recording. They cannot access the internet or use Bluetooth, keeping interference risks minimal. Devices are secured using Velcro or stored in flight suits, as seen with astronaut Jeremy Hansen.

Alongside the iPhones, the crew also carries professional equipment like the Nikon D5 and GoPro Hero 11, ensuring a mix of imaging capabilities. However, the familiarity of smartphone photography adds a relatable touch to these historic visuals. As the mission progresses, more images are expected, potentially offering an unprecedented look at space travel through everyday technology.

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What do you think about the space shots captured using the iPhone 17 Pro Max? Let us know in the comments below.