HULC will allow astronauts to take pictures even in spacesuits
During the «Apollo missions» in the 1960s, astronauts took approximately 18,000 photographs on the Moon. Their cameras were very similar to models launched in the 1960s and did not have viewfinders, so astronauts had to attach cameras to their spacesuits, relying on intuition to frame images. And to shoot video, astronauts needed separate equipment specialized for working with photographic film.
Now, in preparation for new missions to the Moon, NASA plans to equip Artemis astronauts with advanced cameras and technology so they can capture high-quality photos and videos while working on the lunar surface.
Partnering with Japanese camera maker Nikon, NASA has entered into an agreement to develop a camera that astronauts will carry with them on missions on the Moon. Called the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC), the camera is a collaboration between engineers at NASA and the Marshall Space Flight Center.
The Nikon Z9 camera, which is available on the earthly market, was chosen as the base model for HULC. However, to meet the demands of the extreme conditions on the Moon, the camera was modified by NASA and Nikon. A special thermal blanket has been added to protect the camera from dust, as well as an improved grip that will allow astronauts to use the buttons while wearing spacesuit gloves.
In addition, the Nikon Z9's electronics have been modified to improve resistance to radiation, which is one of the main negative factors faced by vehicles and equipment in outer space.
The HULC camera is currently being tested by NASA. Astronauts have already used it during training in the Canary Islands and when simulating a «moonwalk» in Arizona. These tests will help ensure the reliability, functionality and suitability of HULC for operation in lunar conditions.
NASA plans to send the HULC camera to the Moon on the Artemis III mission, planned for 2026. This mission will be the first with a crew after a multi-year gap since the Apollo 17 mission. in 1972.