NASA and Nikon are collaborating to develop a handheld camera, the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC), for astronauts to use on the Moon during the upcoming Artemis missions. The camera, based on a modified Nikon Z9, is designed to withstand the lunar environment's harsh conditions and will feature advanced technology, including video capabilities and a viewfinder. In addition to the camera development, NASA is also making progress on a docking system for the Artemis program, which will facilitate crew movement between the Orion spacecraft and the Starship Human Landing System built by SpaceX.
NASA has partnered with Nikon to develop a handheld camera, the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC), for the Artemis III mission to the Moon's South Pole. The camera, based on a modified Nikon Z 9, will feature specialized capabilities to withstand the lunar environment, including extreme lighting conditions and temperatures. It will be the first mirrorless handheld camera used on the Moon and will have video capabilities, a viewfinder, and modified electrical components to minimize radiation issues. The camera will be tested in space-like conditions and used during simulated moonwalks in preparation for the Artemis mission, which aims to land the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA have developed a prototype camera called the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) for the upcoming Artemis III mission to the Moon. The camera, made from modified off-the-shelf parts, has been tested in lunar-like environments on Earth, including volcanic caves, to ensure its functionality in extreme conditions. It features special ergonomic buttons for use with spacesuit gloves and a thermal blanket for protection against the Moon's temperature fluctuations. The camera will be used by astronauts to capture detailed images of the lunar surface and landscapes during the mission, which is scheduled for December 2025.
