Two iPhones to fly into space on last shuttle mission

The space shuttle Atlantis' final mission into space on July 8, 2011 will also mark a first. Specifically, the first time an iPhone has entered outer space. Two in fact, meant to carry out specially-designed experiments.

The iPhone 4s will be running an app called SpaceLab for iOS, designed by Odyssey Space Research. Crew members will use the app to run tests that involve the iPhone's cameras, gyroscopes and other hardware once Atlantis has docked with the International Space Station. For example, one test will be used to determine if the phone's gyroscope can determine the shuttle's orientation in space.

"I'm pretty sure this is the very first iPhone to go into space," said Odyssey CEO Brian Rishikof. He also stated that the iPhone tests will be purely experimental and not meant to supplement the craft's guidance systems.

Earth-bound astronomers can purchase a version of the app tailored for civilians for US$1, which simulates aspects that can't be reproduced with all the pesky gravity here on terra firma.

You'll find more information on the final shuttle mission here.

Two iPhones to fly into space on last shuttle mission originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.tuaw.com/2011/06/09/two-iphones-to-fly-into-space-on-last-shuttle-mission/

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