News (The Pak Global Pakistan):
NEW YORK: NASA has announced that astronauts traveling to the International Space Station under the Crew-12 mission, as well as those set to fly around the Moon on the Artemis II mission, will be allowed to carry advanced smartphones into space.
According to the US space agency, the decision is aimed at enabling astronauts to capture photos and videos of key moments during their missions and share them with people on Earth, bringing space exploration closer to the public.
This will mark the first time astronauts are officially permitted to take personal smartphones on space missions. NASA said comprehensive safety measures and strict protocols have been implemented to ensure the devices do not interfere with any critical spacecraft systems.
In earlier missions, including those aboard Soyuz spacecraft and the Space Shuttle, the use of personal mobile phones was prohibited due to technical and safety limitations. However, advancements in modern technology and extensive testing have now made it possible to safely integrate smartphones into spaceflight.
NASA officials believe the use of smartphones will not only improve communication and documentation but also help boost astronauts’ morale and engagement during long-duration missions.
The initiative comes as NASA prepares for its first human mission around the Moon since 1972 and reflects the agency’s increasing reliance on modern, human-centered technology to enhance the efficiency and experience of space exploration.