Nikon and NASA Collaborate on Revolutionary Lunar Camera

Nikon, in collaboration with NASA, is in the process of developing a groundbreaking handheld camera specifically designed for astronauts to use on the lunar surface during the upcoming Artemis missions. This partnership between Nikon and NASA aims to capture the astronauts’ experiences and collect valuable research data on the Moon. The camera is set to be deployed in the Artemis 3 mission, tentatively scheduled to take off in September 2026.

Unleashing the Potential of Lunar Photography

Unlike the 70mm film magazine camera used during the Apollo missions, Nikon and NASA are working together to engineer a handheld camera that grants astronauts more freedom of movement while ensuring the ability to capture high-quality images effortlessly. With the help of Nikon’s cutting-edge technology and expertise, astronauts will have the perfect tool to capture the lunar landscape, adventure, and maybe even a few selfies.

Merging Innovation with Durability

The teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, have initiated the process of integrating the necessary adjustments into a Nikon Z9 camera, resulting in the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC). This modified camera consists of Nikkor lenses and is well-protected with NASA’s thermal blanket, shielding it from abrasive lunar dust and extreme temperatures. Additionally, the camera retains customized grip and buttons that enable astronauts to operate it even while wearing thick gloves.

Leading-Edge Features for Unprecedented Lunar Imaging

The Artemis camera will be equipped with the latest in imaging technology and modified electrical components to ensure its resiliency to the rigors of space radiation. Differing from the cameras used during the Apollo missions, the Artemis camera encompasses a viewfinder and exceptional video capabilities, allowing astronauts to effortlessly capture both still imagery and videos using a single device.

“The camera will be the first mirrorless handheld camera used on the Moon, designed for capturing imagery in low-light environments,” stated NASA. Prior to its final deployment on the Moon, the camera will undergo extensive testing on the International Space Station to ensure its performance and functionality in challenging conditions.

Artemis Program Takes Shape

As part of NASA’s preparations for the Artemis program, significant progress has been made on the development of the docking system to facilitate crew transfers between the Orion spacecraft and the Starship Human Landing System. The Orion spacecraft, responsible for Earth-to-lunar-orbit transportation, and SpaceX’s Starship, designed to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface, will collaborate to ensure safe and successful crewed lunar landings.

Recently, NASA and SpaceX conducted extensive system tests for the docking system at the Johnson Space Center. Over 200 docking scenarios, including different approach angles and speeds, were examined to validate the Moon lander’s docking system using real-world conditions in full-scale hardware.

These docking tests, along with the ongoing Nikon partnership, are pushing the Artemis program closer to its goal of a crewed Moon landing, which will be the first since the Apollo missions. The remarkable collaboration between Nikon and NASA allows humanity to take another giant leap in space exploration and pave the way for further advancements in lunar exploration for generations to come.

For in-depth coverage of NASA’s Artemis Moon program, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, the recent Artemis 1 mission, the four-person Artemis 2 crew, NASA and Axiom’s Artemis Moon suit, and the upcoming lunar Gateway space station, visit our Spaceflight section.