Humans are returning to the moon fifty years later, but this time they won’t be carrying Hasselblads. Instead, the Nikon Z9, one of the most technically ambitious digital cameras available and one that NASA selected in part due to its adeptness in low light conditions, will be used by the astronauts on Artemis III, the first manned journey to the moon since the 1970s.

Any Z9 headed for the moon will, of course, undergo extensive space travel modifications. According to Digital Photography Review, Nikon and NASA will modify the internal circuitry to guard against cosmic radiation damage. Additionally, the NASA-approved Z9 will have a unique grip that will make handling it with gloves easier for astronauts.

Although NASA claims Artemis III won’t launch until late 2026, at the latest, there is currently no official date set for the mission. The Nikons on board are set to become the first mirrorless handheld cameras ever used on the lunar surface when the mission’s Space Launch System rocket eventually lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Topics #Moon #NASA #Selected the Camera