Astronauts will now be able to bring their smartphones on missions. NASA announced the change via a post on X, with Administrator Jared Isaacman stating crews on the Crew-12 and Artemis II missions can capture special moments and share them with the world. This marks a shift from the previous reliance on specialized equipment like Nikon DSLRs.

Before, astronauts had to leave their personal devices behind. The agency aims to allow for more spontaneous photo and video sharing with families and the public. This is a notable change, as previous missions required dedicated cameras. The Artemis II mission, slated for launch, will be the first crewed moon mission since 1972.

The use of smartphones represents a move towards more accessible technology in space exploration. Though not the first images captured in space with a phone, it will be the first from the moon's orbit. This change simplifies capturing and sharing images, potentially boosting public engagement with space missions.

What's next? We can anticipate a greater influx of images and videos from space, offering a more personal perspective on missions. This evolution highlights how space agencies are adapting to consumer technology to improve their operations and public outreach. The Artemis II mission is highly anticipated.