Artemis II: All the Apple, GoPro, and Microsoft gadgets on Orion

Artemis II Astronauts Take Earth’s Favorite Gadgets to the Moon — Here’s What They’re Using in Space

When NASA’s Artemis II mission launched its four astronauts toward the Moon, they didn’t just bring freeze-dried food and space suits — they packed some of Earth’s most iconic consumer tech. From iPhones to GoPros and Microsoft Surface tablets, the Orion spacecraft Integrity is proving that even in the vastness of space, we still crave a little slice of home.

iPhones in Orbit: The iPhone 17 Pro Max Goes Lunar

Yes, the iPhone 17 Pro Max — Apple’s latest and greatest — is officially the first iPhone to travel beyond Earth’s orbit. Astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen have been using these devices to document their journey in stunning detail. From breathtaking selfies against the backdrop of Earth to candid moments inside the Orion capsule, these iPhones are capturing history in real time.

The crew has already shared some unforgettable images, including a now-viral selfie of Koch peering out of Orion’s main cabin window, with the infinite blackness of space behind her. It’s a reminder that even in the most advanced spacecraft ever built, a smartphone can still be the best tool for storytelling.

Nikon DSLRs: Capturing the Moon in Ultra-High Definition

Photography has always been a cornerstone of space exploration, and Artemis II is no exception. The astronauts are equipped with two Nikon D5 DSLR camera bodies, along with a variety of lenses, batteries, and accessories. These cameras are tasked with capturing the lunar surface in unprecedented detail, and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.

Over the past week, NASA has released a series of jaw-dropping images, including the iconic “Earthrise” and “Earthset” shots, as well as a rare eclipse sequence. These photographs aren’t just beautiful — they’re scientifically invaluable, providing critical data about the Moon’s surface and Earth’s atmosphere.

Microsoft Surface Tablets: The Astronauts’ Personal Computing Devices

In addition to their iPhones and Nikons, each astronaut is using a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet as their personal computing device (PCD). These tablets are essential for both scientific work and everyday tasks. Yes, even astronauts need to check their email — and thanks to Microsoft Outlook, they can do so from 248,655 miles away.

The Surface Pros are also being used for mission-critical tasks, such as analyzing data, communicating with Mission Control, and even streaming live updates to Earth. It’s a testament to how far consumer technology has come — these tablets are as capable in space as they are on Earth.

GoPro Cameras: Durability Tested in the Harshest Conditions

No space mission is complete without GoPros, and Artemis II is no exception. The astronauts are using a mix of HERO11 Black action cameras and a MAX2 360-degree camera to record their journey. These cameras are capturing everything from inside the Orion cabin to the exterior of the spacecraft, providing a first-person perspective of the mission.

But the real heroes might be the modified HERO4 Black cameras mounted on Orion’s solar arrays. These cameras are exposed to the extreme conditions of space — intense radiation, freezing temperatures, and the vacuum of space itself. Yet, they continue to function flawlessly, proving once again that GoPros are built to withstand anything.

A GoPro representative confirmed to Mashable that these cameras are not only surviving but thriving in the harshest environment imaginable. The footage they capture will be featured in an upcoming Disney/NatGeo documentary, giving Earthlings an unprecedented look at life aboard Orion.

The Return: A Historic Splashdown

As of now, the Artemis II crew is scheduled to return to Earth on April 10, 2024. The world has been following their journey with bated breath, and for good reason — this mission is a monumental step toward NASA’s goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon.

From the iPhone selfies to the Nikon lunar landscapes, the tech aboard Orion is not just surviving in space — it’s thriving. It’s a powerful reminder that even as we push the boundaries of human exploration, we carry a piece of Earth with us, one gadget at a time.

Godspeed, Artemis II. The world is watching — and documenting every moment.

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