NASA has just signed a partnership with the photo company Nikon to send one of its cameras to our natural satellite: the Moon. This mission should be quite important for the progress of future space explorations.
The Moon is a fascinating and challenging place to explore, and NASA wants to document every moment of its upcoming Artemis missions, which aim to land humans on the lunar South Pole for the first time. To do this, NASA partnered with Nikon, one of the world’s largest camera manufacturers, to create a portable camera capable of surviving and capturing the harsh environment of the Moon.
The device, called HULC (Handheld Universal Lunar Camera), is based on the Nikon Z9, a mirrorless camera that offers high performance and image quality. However, the HULC is no ordinary Nikon Z9. It has been modified and personalized by NASA engineers to meet the specific needs and challenges of lunar exploration.
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NASA and Nikon design a unique camera designed for space exploration
One of the main challenges is the extreme temperature variation on the Moon, which can range from -173°C to 127°C. To protect the camera from these temperatures, as well as dust and radiation, the HULC is wrapped in a thermal blanket designed by NASA. This coverage also helps reduce the weight and power consumption of the camera, two important factors for space missions.
Lighting conditions on the Moon pose another challenge: they can be very dark or very bright, depending on the location and time. Some areas of the lunar South Pole never receive direct sunlight, while others are exposed to intense solar radiation. To cope with these conditions, The HULC features advanced low-light capabilities, as well as Nikkor lenses that can accommodate different focal lengths and apertures.
The camera also has a viewfinder and video recording function, allowing astronauts to take photos and videos with the same device. The HULC also features a unique handle designed for astronauts who will wear the new spacesuit’s thick gloves during their moon walks. The grip features modified buttons that are easier to press and control, as well as a strap that secures the camera to the astronaut’s wrist. The handle also features a QR code that can be scanned by the camera to identify the user and mission.
The HULC will be the first mirrorless camera on the Moon
The HULC is a collaboration between NASA and Nikon, who have a long history of working together in the field of space photography. Nikon has supplied cameras and lenses to NASA since the 1970s, and many of its products have been used aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station.
The HULC will thus be the first portable mirrorless camera to be used on the Moon, and it will provide a new perspective and insight into the lunar environment and exploration. The camera will be used for scientific research, as well as to document the activities and experiences of astronauts on the Moon. She will also allow astronauts to communicate with Earth and share their discoveries and achievements with the public.
The HULC should be ready to be used for the Artemis 3 mission, scheduled for launch in September 2026. Before then, the camera will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation on Earth and on the International Space Station. The camera will also be used during the Joint Extravehicular Activities and Human Mobility Surface Test Team Field Test #5 in Arizona, which will simulate operations and scenarios on the lunar surface.