The challenge of qualifying modern technology for spaceflight is real. There are a million ways in which the technology can become mired in the approval process, from radiation characterization of chips to battery thermal and vacuum tests, outgassing concerns, vibe testing, and other qualification concerns. Yes, these requirements exist for a reason. But Isaacman is now telling his team to challenge requirements to ensure they are still needed today. (If you don’t believe this is important, ask any NASA contractor about bloated requirements.)
The arcane approval process has consequences. Before this decision, the newest camera slated to fly on the historic Artemis II mission around the Moon was a 2016 Nikon DSLR, alongside GoPro cameras that were a decade old. Now, the astronauts will have modern, portable smartphone cameras at their disposal. It should make for some amazing lunar moments.
The arcane approval process has consequences. Before this decision, the newest camera slated to fly on the historic Artemis II mission around the Moon was a 2016 Nikon DSLR, alongside GoPro cameras that were a decade old.
That’s crazy! So much talk about being on the bleeding edge and then this. Glad administrator Isaacman is pushing for change.
I read this earlier today; my main question would be what measures they will put in place to handle a runaway lithium battery fire. Hopefully some burn-bag is available they can throw the phone into, in the unlikely event it comes to pass? It’s not like an airplane where they can cycle air from outside easily, so it could be a big problem.
I presume they use the same system that they currently use for all the battery-equiped tools they already have on the ISS and in other vehicles.
Just use AA like the rest of us it’s not rocket science
Who you gonna call?
