Nikon has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with NASA to take their Z9 camera to the moon as part of the Artemis campaign. This collaboration involves the development of the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) system, which will be utilized by astronauts during the Artemis III mission in 2026.
The Artemis campaign aims to establish a platform for long-term lunar exploration and research, with the ultimate goal of paving the way for future missions to Mars. The upcoming Artemis III mission will mark the first time humans have landed on the moon’s surface since 1972, with the added milestone of the first woman walking on the moon.
Given the harsh conditions of the lunar environment, the Z9 camera had to undergo significant modifications to ensure it could withstand the extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation. Special firmware was developed to enhance noise reduction and adjust shutter speeds to account for the challenges of shooting in space.
To make the camera user-friendly for astronauts wearing thick spacesuit gloves, NASA is developing a custom grip with common controls that will connect to the camera via specialized firmware. Additionally, a thermal blanket will be used to protect the camera and lens during extravehicular activities.
This isn’t the first time Nikon has collaborated with NASA on space missions, with a history dating back to the Apollo 15 mission over 50 years ago. The Z9’s expedition to the moon is sure to produce iconic images that will showcase the capabilities of this innovative camera.