Huntsville, Alabama – In a groundbreaking collaboration with NASA, Nikon is at the forefront of developing a cutting-edge handheld camera designed for astronauts to use during the upcoming Artemis missions to the Moon. This innovative camera is set to accompany astronauts on the surface of the Moon during the Artemis 3 mission, scheduled to launch tentatively in September 2026.
Unlike the 70mm film magazine camera used during the Apollo era, the new Nikon camera aims to provide astronauts with greater freedom of movement and ease of use on the lunar surface. The camera, named HULC (Handheld Universal Lunar Camera), is being specially modified by teams at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to withstand the extreme temperatures and harsh lunar environment. Wrapped in NASA’s thermal blanket for protection from dust and extreme conditions, the camera will also feature a custom grip with modified buttons for easy operation with bulky gloves.
Moreover, the HULC camera will be equipped with the latest imaging technology and modified electrical components to prevent radiation damage. In contrast to the cameras used during the Apollo missions, the Artemis camera will boast both a viewfinder and video capabilities, allowing astronauts to capture both still imagery and video on a single device.
NASA’s aim with this new camera is to provide the first mirrorless handheld camera capable of capturing imagery in low-light environments on the Moon. Before its journey to the lunar surface, the camera will undergo testing aboard the International Space Station to ensure its functionality and durability in space.
In addition to the camera development, NASA is progressing in its preparations for the Artemis missions by advancing a docking system that will facilitate crew movement between the Orion spacecraft and the Starship Human Landing System. This docking system, recently tested at the Johnson Space Center in partnership with SpaceX, will play a crucial role in safely transporting astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit and eventually to the Moon’s surface.
The ongoing docking tests and the collaboration with Nikon represent significant strides for NASA’s Artemis program, leading up to the highly anticipated first crewed Moon landing since the Apollo missions. These developments underscore the meticulous planning and innovative technology required to ensure the success of this historic mission.