Two iPhone 4s will join the Atlantis team, July 8th, on their final flight. But unlike most iPhones, the two spacebound phones will be equipped with a custom application--Spacelab iOS--and will assist astronauts with experiments in the International Space Station.

On their press release, Odyssey Space Reasearch group gave some details of the adventures to be had by the mobile devices. 

From Odyssey Space Research group: 

The SpaceLab for iOS app will utilize the innovative features of iPhone 4, including the three-axis gyro, accelerometer, Retina display, cameras and A4 chip, for space-based research. The crew will conduct various experiments to collect data which could one day find use in practical applications, such as the recovery of navigation information for a spacecraft that might be "lost in space." A ground-based user of the SpaceLab for iOS app will be able to conduct the same experiments with certain features simulated to account for the presence of gravity.

Not forgetting to include their earthly consumers, the research group also laucnhed an app that simulates the experiments that the astronauts in space will perform.The 99 cent simulator app is available on iTunes for interested users.  

The simulation app is identical to the one loaded on the iPhones headed to space, although the experiments may not produce the same results while on earth. But that probably won't discourage the astronomically inclined iPhone users from partaking in the app. 

"The opportunity to make the experience accessible to anyone via the App Store will attract a new generation of space supporters," said Odyssey CEO, Brian Rishikof.

Despite the word of an out-of-this-world application, some analysts don’t expect the new technology to amaze average consumers.

“Why would someone be impressed if the iPhone could run bio metric analysis, if it could not run Adobe Flash,” says social media strategy consultant Jacob Young. “iPhone Joe who will just use the phone to listen to music, make phone calls and play a few apps won’t bother to touch the other functions.” 

Advocates of the simulator app are planning to distribute the iPhone’s findings in space to educators, scientist and space enthusiasts, but most people will stick to using their sophisticated scientific instruments to send text messages and update their Twitter.

Reach writer Jerome Campbell here.