Artemis II images: NASA releases stunning space images shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max from orbit

NASA has released a fresh set of images from its ongoing lunar mission, and they carry a slightly different feel this time. Some are polished, taken on professional cameras. Others feel more personal. That is because a few of them were captured on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, used by astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission.

The idea of a smartphone in deep space still sounds unusual. Yet it appears NASA has been quietly preparing for this. Each image released so far offers a glimpse of life inside the Orion spacecraft. Alongside them, NASA has also shared brief descriptions, giving context to what each frame captures..

PC: NASA

One of the most talked-about images shows Commander Reid Wiseman looking out through Orion’s window. Earth appears in the distance, glowing softly against the darkness of space. The image, reportedly taken on the iPhone’s front camera, captures both the astronaut and the fragile-looking planet behind him. This striking perspective highlights the profound connection between humanity’s pioneers and the lonely, blue home.

PC: Flickr

Another similar frame features Mission Specialist Christina Koch. She is positioned near the same viewing area, again with Earth visible beyond the glass. NASA notes that this image highlights the crew’s perspective during transit. A moment of observation as the spacecraft moves further away from Earth.

PC: Flickr

A separate image, taken using a Nikon D5, shifts focus entirely to Earth itself. The planet appears mostly in darkness, with scattered city lights faintly visible across continents. A thin crescent of sunlight cuts along the edge. NASA’s description points to this as a “dark-side view” of Earth, showing how little of the planet is illuminated at that moment.

PC: Flickr

As the Artemis II mission continues its journey beyond Earth, a newly released image offers a quiet glimpse inside the Orion spacecraft. Captured on April 3, 2026, the Nikon D5 frame shows Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency leaning forward to look out of one of Orion’s windows. The cabin around him remains mostly dark, with only the control panels glowing softly in the foreground.

PC: Flickr

While the iPhone images are drawing attention, they are only part of the story. The Artemis II crew is also using traditional cameras, including the Nikon D5, Nikon Z 9, and GoPro HERO4 Black. NASA indicates that these devices are still the primary tools for high-resolution and technical photography.

PC: Flickr