If you’re an astronaut, your phone is probably one of the most important items you carry with you. Not only is it essential for staying in touch with friends and family back on Earth, but it’s also critical for performing tasks and communicating with other astronauts during spacewalks and other extravehicular activities. But what phone does NASA use? Let’s find out.
NASA’s Custom-Made Phones
Unlike the average smartphone user, NASA uses custom-made phones that are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space travel. These phones have to be able to operate in extreme temperatures, survive radiation exposure, and function in a zero-gravity environment. They’re also built to be highly durable and reliable, since a malfunctioning phone could be a matter of life and death in space.One of the primary phones used by NASA is the Motorola i325IS. This phone was chosen because it met all of the agency’s stringent requirements, including the ability to work on the iDEN network, which is used by Motorola’s push-to-talk technology.
NASA’s Satellite Phones
In addition to the i325IS, NASA also uses satellite phones for communication during space missions. These phones are connected to satellites in orbit around the Earth, allowing astronauts to stay in touch even when they’re outside of the range of terrestrial networks.One of the most commonly used satellite phones by NASA is the Iridium 9505A. This phone is known for its ruggedness and reliability, and it has been used on numerous space missions since its introduction in the late 1990s.
A Comparison of NASA’s Phones
Here’s a quick comparison of the two main types of phones used by NASA:
| Phone Type | Primary Use | Network | Features | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola i325IS | Internal communication | iDEN | Push-to-talk, texting, GPS | High |
| Iridium 9505A | External communication | Satellite | Voice, data, SMS | Very high |
Other Specialized Devices Used by NASA
In addition to phones, NASA also uses a variety of other specialized communication devices during space missions. For example, the agency has developed a system called the Enhanced Voice Communications System (EVCS), which improves the clarity and reliability of astronauts’ voices during spacewalks.NASA also uses handheld cameras and other imaging devices to help astronauts document their work and activities in space. These devices are designed to be easy to use and operate in a zero-gravity environment.
Conclusion
So there you have it: NASA uses custom-made phones and satellite phones to stay in touch and perform tasks during space missions. These devices are highly specialized and are designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space travel. While they may not be the latest and greatest smartphones on the market, they’re certainly some of the most important tools in an astronaut’s arsenal.