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NASA Allows Astronauts to Use Cellphones in Space
New policy paves the way for stellar selfies from orbit
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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For the first time ever, NASA is allowing astronauts to bring their smartphones into space, the agency announced on Monday. Up until this year, astronauts had to leave their personal devices on Earth, using only NASA-approved cameras to take pictures. The new policy is already in effect, and the first photos could surface as early as later this week.
Why it matters
This new policy from NASA represents a significant shift in the agency's approach to technology and personal devices in space. It opens up new possibilities for astronauts to capture and share their experiences in orbit, potentially leading to more engaging and immersive content for the public.
The details
The announcement comes ahead of NASA's plan to send astronauts around the moon in March. Previously, astronauts were only allowed to use NASA-approved cameras to take photos and videos, which limited their ability to capture spontaneous moments and share them in real-time. With the new cellphone policy, astronauts will be able to use their personal devices to take high-quality photos and videos, potentially live-streaming their experiences from space.
- NASA announced the new cellphone policy on Monday, February 10, 2026.
- The first photos taken by astronauts using their personal cellphones could surface as early as later this week.
The players
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.
What’s next
NASA plans to send astronauts around the moon in March, which will be the first opportunity for astronauts to use their cellphones to capture and share their experiences from space.
The takeaway
This new policy from NASA represents a significant shift in the agency's approach to technology and personal devices in space, opening up new possibilities for astronauts to capture and share their experiences in orbit with the public.
