New photos from the Artemis II mission released, and how NASA is testing cameras for flight

NASA released new photos (Artemis II multimedia | Artemis II gallery) taken before, during, and after the Artemis II mission around the moon. On this timeline, you can toggle between the pictures taken with the Nikon Z9 and Nikon D5 cameras.

NASA only uses flight-qualified or previously validated cameras for its missions, based on thermal behavior, vacuum, radiation, and vibration tolerance, as well as glove-controlled operation, etc. Back in 2022, NASA also tested the Nikon D6, Canon R6, and Nikon Z7II models, but they were not selected for flight, largely because NASA prioritized proven reliability and high-ISO performance over newer specs. For more details, you can check the NASA Handheld Camera Initial Test Results (download the PowerPoint presentation) – here are some of the slides:

NASA’s Artemis II historic mission returns to Earth after a 10-day journey: Nikon gear goes around the moon

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts will take a Nikon Z9 to space

NASA Artemis II astronauts will take the 10-year-old Nikon D5 DSLR camera around the moon, here is why

Related posts:

  1. NASA’s Artemis II historic mission returns to Earth after a 10-day journey: Nikon gear goes around the moon
  2. NASA Artemis II astronauts will take the 10-year-old Nikon D5 DSLR camera around the moon, here is why
  3. NASA’s Artemis II astronauts will take a Nikon Z9 to space
  4. Live Cell Observation System selected for NASA-supported project heading to the International Space Station
  5. Sigma 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports lens for Sony E-mount tested on the Nikon Z9 camera with the Megadap Pro adapter