Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32190: Smartphones Go Cosmic: HET Smartphone-MM on the ISS

We use smartphones for nearly everything on Earth, so why not in space? The HET Smartphone-MM experiment, led by Dr. Terry Fong from NASA Ames Research Center, explored exactly that—can mobile devices serve as brains for robotic assistants in orbit?

The idea was simple but revolutionary: attach commercial off-the-shelf smartphones to robotic platforms aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and see how well they perform. The smartphones, equipped with sensors, cameras, GPS, and computing power, served as autonomous controllers for SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites)—floating robots inside the ISS.

This initiative was part of NASA’s broader Human Exploration Telerobotics (HET) program. By enabling robots to operate semi-independently or under remote guidance, astronauts can focus more on complex tasks while machines handle repetitive or hazardous operations.

The results were impressive. Smartphones proved capable of navigating, capturing images, and performing onboard analysis. They turned the robotic spheres into smarter, more versatile tools for station maintenance and inspection.

Why use smartphones? They're compact, powerful, and already optimized for rugged performance. Plus, their affordability makes them perfect for experiments that might otherwise require expensive custom hardware. This democratizes robotics in space, potentially allowing more frequent and varied robotic missions.

Back on Earth, the lessons from HET Smartphone-MM influence the design of autonomous systems for everything from drones to warehouse robots. It’s another example of how space tech can fuel innovation in our daily lives.

The experiment demonstrates the flexibility and potential of integrating commercial technology into space applications. With more such initiatives, the line between consumer gadgets and space-grade tech continues to blur, paving the way for agile, cost-effective exploration.

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