How Are Nikon Cameras Enhancing NASA Artemis Lunar Mission?

Hey there, Astrophiles! You might have heard about Nikon Inc.’s latest collaboration with NASA for their 2026 Artemis mission.

Are Nikon cameras enhancing NASA Artemis Lunar mission? In February 2024, Nikon signed with the U.S. federal government independent agency.

So, with this action, Nikon’s Z9 camera entered into a Space Act Agreement for Artemis mission support.

Custom Made Camera To Take Photos On The Moon

Nikon joined hands with NASA to create a device that will take pictures for NASA’s Artemis III mission.

As per reports, the astronauts will use this device (a mirrorless camera) to capture images of their return to the Moon for research and discovery.

Nikon Inc. Entering Into The Space Act Agreement

With the latest announcement, Nikon entered into a Space Act Agreement (SAA) with NASA to support its Artemis campaign.

So, are Nikon Cameras Enhancing NASA Artemis? Well, they are figuring out how to develop a Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC).

Nikon’s Z9, a mirrorless full-frame flagship, as implemented in the HULC system, will be the handheld camera for the upcoming Artemis III mission. The crew will use the device while returning to the moon’s surface.

Nikon cameras enhancing NASA Artemis Lunar mission. Image Credit: Henry Söderlund.

President and CEO of Nikon Inc., Naoki Onozato, said that the opportunity to collaborate with NASA on the endeavor is simply exhilarating yet humbling. Well, this mission indeed has the potential to affect all of mankind in the future.

As per Naoki, Nikon aims to equip the crew with the best devices as they are a part of the Space Act.

ALSO READ: Best Rivian Electric SUV R2 Advantage Over Tesla Model Y

How Are Nikon Cameras Enhancing NASA Artemis III?

For those who are unfamiliar with the Moon’s harsh environment, the Earth’s satellite has pretty unfavorable circumstances.

Moon’s surface and surroundings may pose multiple technological and engineering challenges. Further, its unforgiving vacuum is harsh.

The constant pounding of cosmic radiation and massive temperature swings can cause damage to electrical components.

Considering all issues, Nikon’s engineers will work closely with NASA to develop solutions to maximize reliability.

Working under such extreme conditions, they must develop and redesign various circuits and control sequences within the camera to withstand the vast amounts of radiation.

A Sequential Testing Of The Cameras

To protect the device from extreme temperatures, exceptional support will be provided for thermal vacuum testing. Similarly, several tests and simulations will be carried out to maintain the camera’s operational status.

When the crew is in space or on the surface, astronauts will use the camera during extravehicular activities (EVAs).

Meanwhile, NASA is developing a custom grip so that astronauts can comfortably and efficiently use the Z9 when wearing the thick gloves of a spacesuit. Standard controls include shutter release, playback, and still/video capture switching.

Nikon cameras enhancing NASA Artemis. Image Credit: Rawpixel Ltd.

Well, we can say that the process of Nikon Cameras enhancing NASA Artemis has the potential for further lunar missions.

This grip will connect to the camera via the 10-pin terminal, which will be usable with specialized custom firmware created for the cameras.

To protect the camera, lens, and housing during EVA, a special “thermal blanket” will be created by NASA, which is similar to those currently used during exterior spacewalks by International Space Station (ISS) astronauts.

A selection of NIKKOR Z lenses will also be used for the mission, and those that will be actively used on the Moon will be modified to withstand the harsh lunar environment.

Similarly, you might want to read about the latest features of Challenger Brand Nothing 2A.

Will Artemis II Succeed By 2025? Know About the Great Lunar Mission

Between 1968 and 1972, the United States successfully completed nine human missions to the moon.

As Buzz Aldrin followed Neil Armstrong onto the moon’s surface, the whole world tuned in to watch their historical adventure on the celestial body far from our home.

Artemis II is the first scheduled crewed mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. In May 2019, the NASA administrator announced the new program, Artemis, after the ancient Greek goddess of the moon and the twin sister to Apollo.

The Artemis program is a robotic and human Moon exploration program led by NASA, and after Artemis I, there will be three other lunar landing missions dated up to 2028. Artemis I was an unmanned moon-orbiting mission launched on November 16, 2022.

2024 NASA’s Artemis II Lunar Mission and Its Crew

The 2024 NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission will return astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972, a period of almost 50 years.

The Orion spacecraft, powered by a Space Launch System rocket, will carry astronauts on a lunar flyby around the moon. Therefore, Artemis II will be the first crewed mission currently planned to be launched by the Space Launch System (SLS) in November 2024.

Artemis II features a free-return trajectory and is the final test before the Artemis 3 crewed lunar landing mission in 2025.

The Artemis II crew includes astronauts, pilots, commanders, and mission scientists of NASA, including Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Space Agency astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen.

So, Nikon Cameras Enhancing NASA Artemis III to make sure the upcoming mission will have high standards.