Science
NASA documented Artemis II lunar flight using commercial camera gear
CNET reports that astronauts used Nikon gear, GoPros, and smartphones without taking backup bodies into orbit.
The short version
- Astronauts on the Artemis II mission photographed the lunar far side using commercial camera equipment, including Nikon D5 and Z9 bodies, GoPros, and smartphones.[CNET]
- Weight constraints prevented the crew from flying backup camera bodies on the flight.[CNET]
- While the Nikon D5 is flight-certified by NASA, the newer Nikon Z9 remains under evaluation, with plans to send a thermally blanketed unit to the lunar surface in 2028.[CNET]
Key facts
- The Artemis II mission carried humans to the far side of the moon for the first time in 44 years.[CNET]
- The mission's primary workhorse camera was the Nikon D5 DSLR, alongside the mirrorless Nikon Z9.[CNET]
- The crew also utilized GoPro Hero4 units for video feeds and iPhone 17 Pro Max phones for interior photos.[CNET]
- Weight limitations prevented the Artemis II crew from carrying backup camera bodies.[CNET]
- A hardened Nikon Z9 wrapped in a thermal blanket is scheduled to reach the lunar surface in 2028 as part of the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera system.[CNET]
What remains uncertain
- The Nikon Z9 is not yet fully certified by NASA and remains under real-world evaluation.[CNET]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.