NASA engineers to help develop new lunar camera

Teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville have joined forces with Nikon to help develop the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera.

The next-generation camera will be used on the Moon by NASA astronauts. 

NASA signs agreement with Nikon to develop Lunar Artemis Camera

When NASA sends astronauts to the South Pole region of the Moon for the first time with its Artemis campaign, they will capture photos with a handheld camera to help advance scientific research and discovery.

Photographing the lunar South Pole region requires a modern camera with specialized capabilities to manage the extreme lighting conditions and temperatures unique to the area.

The agreement enables NASA to have a space-rated camera ready for use on the lunar surface without needing to develop one from scratch.

About the lunar camera

Here are some cool facts about the lunar camera:

• The resulting design consists of a modified Nikon Z 9 camera and Nikkor lenses, NASA’s thermal blanket, which will protect the camera from dust and extreme temperatures.
• It also has a custom grip with modified buttons developed by NASA engineers for easier handling by suited crewmembers wearing thick gloves during a moonwalk.
• The camera will incorporate the latest imagery technology and will have modified electrical components to minimize issues caused by radiation, ensuring the camera operates as intended on the Moon.
• It will be the first mirrorless handheld camera used on the Moon, designed for capturing imagery in low-light environments.
• Prior to Artemis missions, the camera will be used at the International Space Station to demonstrate its capabilities.

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