As you sit there reading this article and thinking about updating your favorite app, there are iPhones currently floating in outer space! Yes, this is no longer just science fiction or marketing hype; it is a reality that occurred with the launch of NASA’s historic “Artemis II” mission. As Apple celebrated its 50th anniversary, its latest device, the iPhone 17 Pro, was preparing to take a trip around the moon, proving that Apple technology knows no terrestrial boundaries.
NASA Gives the Green Light to the iPhone
NASA has always been extremely cautious about the technology astronauts carry, but last February, everything changed drastically. The agency officially allowed astronauts to take their personal smartphones with them into space for the first time as part of a verification process for advanced technology requirements that could serve future missions. The goal is to ensure that these devices we use daily are capable of withstanding harsh space conditions and operating efficiently in a zero-gravity environment.
It wasn’t long before we started seeing the “bitten apple” floating inside the Orion spacecraft. Naturally, tech enthusiasts and space journalists didn’t miss the chance to spot these historic moments. The iPhone appeared in several videos released by NASA, where an assistant was seen carefully placing the phone into an astronaut’s suit pocket before launch, marking the beginning of a new era for smartphones beyond the atmosphere.
iPhone 17 Pro in Zero Gravity
If you are wondering about the exact model the astronauts chose to accompany them on their lunar journey, the videos spotted by journalist Owen Sparks were clear enough. The famous triple-camera bump was visible, confirming without a doubt that it is an iPhone 17 Pro. The chosen model appears to be the classic silver color, and although I wish they had taken the “Cosmic Orange” to match the space vibe, the astronauts seemingly preferred simplicity!
Interestingly, there is a small black circle on the right side of the phone under the cameras. Don’t worry, this isn’t a secret camera or a hidden sensor Apple is testing in private; it is likely just a piece of “Velcro” used to secure the iPhone to suits or specific points inside the ship. In space, if you leave your phone unsecured for a single moment, you might find it floating at the other end of the cabin before you know it!
Not the First Time… But the Most Important
Some might think this is the iPhone’s first trip to space, but the truth is that Apple has been there since 2011. At that time, two iPhone 4 units were sent on the final Space Shuttle mission. However, those devices were not for personal use or taking selfies with the stars; they were loaded with custom apps to help the International Space Station crew conduct specific scientific experiments under NASA’s supervision.
Today, the situation represents a qualitative leap. Apple’s comment on NASA’s recent approval was clear, considering this the first time the iPhone has been fully certified for extended use in orbit and beyond. This means the phone you are carrying in your pocket right now has passed rigorous tests that make it worthy of remaining off-planet for long periods, which is something every Apple fan can be proud of.
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