Partnering With Nikon, NASA Will Develop Cameras To Take To The Moon

NASA tested the Nikon Z 9 camera (photo: dock. NASA)

JAKARTA NASA and Nikon, a Japanese camera manufacturer, will develop a handheld camera for a tough lunar environment. This camera will be used for the Artemis mission.

Through theSpace Act Agreement which was signed some time ago, NASA and Nikon agreed to create a space camera. This camera will be adjusted to the conditions of the extreme lighting and temperature of the region that astronauts will explore.

The Artemis mission will land four astronauts at the South Pole and this camera will be used to image the region. Photo results immortalized by astronauts will be used as research material and scientific discovery.

Through the agreement established, a camera called the Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) will be developed by Nikon and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center team. This camera will be a second-generation camera, a continuation of the Apollo mission.

Prior to theSpace Act Agreement, NASA said it had tested the Nikon Z 9 camera to determine the specifications of the space camera. From the test results, the design of the Nikon-made camera is suitable for the Artemis Mission.

HULC will combine the design of the Nikon Z 9 camera and a modified Nikkor lens. This camera must be resistant to extreme dust and temperature and can be used easily even if the astronauts will use thick gloves.

The plan, the camera created is a mirrorless camera with the latest imaging technology. This camera will use modified electrical components to minimize radiation or damage to the camera.