Nikon Developing a Revolutionary Camera for Moon Exploration
Legendary camera brand Nikon has been chosen by NASA to develop a groundbreaking new camera for exploration of the Moon. Dubbed the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera or HULC, this mirrorless system is being designed specifically for lunar surface photography during NASA’s Artemis missions returning humans to the Moon in the coming years.
The extreme conditions on the lunar surface present unique challenges for photographic equipment. Temperatures fluctuate wildly between searing heat and frigid cold, while radiation levels are much higher than on Earth. To address this, Nikon is utilizing its proven full-frame mirrorless technology as the core of the HULC alongside specialized lenses. Additional protections like thermal blankets and modified components will allow it to withstand the harsh environment.
A Camera Tailored for the Moon
With a customized grip and button layout to facilitate operation while wearing pressurized spacesuits, the HULC will give astronauts an unprecedented photographic tool. Nikon’s renowned image quality and video capabilities are being adapted for lunar use, building on the company’s history of providing cameras to every NASA crewed mission since Apollo 15. Where previous astronauts had to use separate still and video devices, the HULC will combine both in a single system.
When humans next walk on the lunar surface as part of Artemis III, they will be aided by the pioneering Nikon HULC. This specialized camera promises to return breathtaking new views from the Moon and help document important scientific observations. By engineering a mirrorless solution for the extreme conditions, Nikon is pushing the boundaries of photography in space further than ever before.
