Most of the stunning photos coming from Artemis II are captured using older Nikon cameras, which typically retail for around $1,000.
NASA decided to use the Nikon D5 digital SLR camera—a model that replaced the famed Hasselblad used in Apollo missions—not too long ago. The D5 was introduced in 2016.
Nikon’s lead consultant for NASA mentioned that the choice of camera was based on its reliability in space missions as well as its remarkable performance in low-light conditions.
Mike Corrado, a senior manager at Nikon Pro Services, emphasized that the D5 has proven itself over the years. He noted that it has been utilized in space since 2017 and continues to deliver impressive results.
One of the standout features of the D5 is its exceptional low-light performance, boasting a sensitivity rating of up to 3.2 million ISO. In contrast, the film from previous Apollo missions utilized a sensitivity of ISO 160 or less, which means the astronauts operating the Artemis II camera can gather far more information from the moon’s shadow than was previously possible.
During the mission, the initial images showcased Earth’s blue and white hues above the grey, cratered lunar landscape. Other intriguing pictures included a solar eclipse and crew selfies taken while donning special glasses.
Moreover, the D5 is designed to withstand the high radiation levels present in space, which can severely affect camera electronics. Given the depth of Artemis II’s mission into space, this capability was vital. NASA puts cameras through rigorous testing to ensure they can handle such harsh conditions.
The D5 was extensively examined, especially after being tested on the International Space Station, making it an obvious choice for the mission.
For the first time, the crew captured clear images of unique features on the far side of the moon.
In a contrast to earlier Apollo missions where heavy Hasselblad cameras with sizeable film magazines were used, Artemis II’s digital approach allows for extensive storage in much smaller memory cards.
Nikon has been providing cameras for NASA since around 2000 and has had a presence in space photography since 1971. However, advancements are on the horizon, as the more sophisticated Z9 will be part of the Artemis IV mission planned for a moon landing in 2028.
Collado remarked that the Z9 was installed on Artemis II for further testing in deep space. He also expressed excitement about the upcoming evaluations of captured images, noting that early results have been impressive.
In total, Artemis II featured 32 cameras, including 15 on the spacecraft itself and 17 that astronauts used while looking out from the cabin during their journey to the far side of the moon. They even documented moments using their iPhones, managing to send thousands of images back to Earth swiftly.
