NASA confirms these stunning photos of Earth were shot on the iPhone 17 Pro Max
The images, taken aboard the Artemis II Orion capsule, have set the internet ablaze – and Apple's marketing team must be thrilled
Just days after NASA posted a striking close-up of the Moon captured on an iPhone, the space agency has done it again. Four days ago, NASA posted a pair of breathtaking photographs showing astronauts Christina Koch and Reid Wiseman gazing out of one of Orion’s windows, a brilliantly lit Earth filling the frame behind them.
The images are gorgeous. And yes, they were shot on an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
NASA’s captioned the photo: “Seeing home from space hits different. @astro_christina and @astro_reid take some time to look back at Earth from one of Orion’s windows as the Artemis II astronauts continue their journey to the Moon. They’re deep in space, on this mission for all of us back home.”
When a curious follower asked in the comments what camera had been used, NASA’s reply was simple: the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The photos, with faces softly illuminated against the darkness of the cabin, Earth glowing magnificently through the window, are the kind of images that once required serious professional equipment to pull off. Now, apparently, the smartphone in your pocket is enough.
It is, without question, one of the most effective iPhone adverts ever made.
That said, pixel peepers can rest easy – the iPhone wasn’t the only camera making history aboard Artemis II. The crew also brought along a selection of Nikon D5 cameras for handheld use throughout the mission, capturing detailed views of the Moon, Earth, and daily life inside the Orion spacecraft.
NASA has since released a wider batch of mission images taken on the D5, including striking lunar and Earth shots made under more challenging lighting conditions.
The Nikon D5 is a flagship DSLR that is nearly a decade old, yet it continues to earn its place on NASA’s mission. Its low-light performance and high ISO capability make it particularly well-suited to the conditions of deep-space photography. It’s a testament to what the ageing camera body can still achieve when pushed to its limits.
Additionally, a single Nikon Z9 was brought aboard at the crew’s request, giving NASA and Nikon the opportunity to begin testing next-generation imaging solutions ahead of future Artemis missions.
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Spencer Hart
Buying Guide Editor 
