NASA has announced a major change in its policy regarding astronauts' personal communication devices. For the first time, astronauts participating in upcoming missions such as Crew-12 and Artemis II will be permitted to carry modern smartphones, including iPhones, with them to the Moon. This decision was revealed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman via a post on the X platform. The agency believes that having smartphones will enable astronauts to capture video moments and stay connected with their families, allowing them to share photos and videos with the public as well.

Previously, astronauts were not allowed to carry personal smartphones into space. Instead, they could use laptops and specially designed equipment for spaceflight on the International Space Station (ISS). Laptops allowed astronauts to access Gmail, send messages, and even make video calls, but the use of personal smartphones was restricted due to concerns over safety, interface compatibility, durability, and security. Given the advancing capabilities of modern smartphones, NASA's new policy marks a significant step in enhancing astronauts' communication with loved ones and the public during missions.

This shift not only highlights the evolution of technology in space missions but also presents interesting implications for how astronauts interact with the public in real-time during historic adventures like lunar missions. With the ease of sharing multimedia content, the experiences of astronauts will become more relatable and engaging for the audience back on Earth, potentially inspiring a new generation of explorers and scientists.