NASA Navigates New Normal: Astronauts Allowed Smartphones in Space
NASA, the United States space agency, is introducing a major change in its long-standing protocols. For the first time, astronauts will be allowed to take their personal smartphones on future missions, including the International Space Station. This permission will be effective for the upcoming Crew-12 and Artemis-2 missions, the agency confirmed. Reports came via Engadget.
In a post on social media platform X, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman explained that astronauts will be able to use their personal smartphones to capture special moments for their families and share inspiring photos and videos with the global audience. He emphasized that space travel is now incorporating more modern and user-friendly technology.
Although images from space captured via smartphones have existed previously, they were primarily taken through small satellites. The Artemis-2 mission, however, offers the possibility of obtaining the first smartphone images from lunar orbit. Scheduled for launch in March, this mission will mark NASA’s first crewed lunar expedition since Apollo 17 in 1972.
NASA officials note that smartphones are far easier to operate than the bulky professional cameras used in earlier missions. This will allow astronauts to take spontaneous photos and videos during their work, which can be quickly shared with family and loved ones back on Earth.
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