The Handheld Universal Lunar Camera in development has a blanket for dust and thermal protection, as well as ergonomic buttons for use with bulky gloves.
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet documents field exploration in the lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote, Spain. [Courtesy: European Space Agency]
Key Takeaways:
NASA is developing and testing the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) for Artemis III astronauts to document the first moonwalks in over 50 years.
The HULC is a mirrorless camera modified with a protective blanket for extreme temperatures and dust, and large, ergonomic buttons for intuitive operation with bulky gloves in the challenging lunar environment.
Astronauts are actively testing the camera in simulated lunar conditions during ESA's Pangaea training course, with further development and International Space Station testing planned to refine its design.
Testing is underway for a new camera to be used by Artemis III astronauts to document the first steps on the moon’s surface in more than 50 years, according to the European Space Agency (ESA).
The NASA-developed Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) is a mirrorless, hand-held camera built from off-the-shelf cameras and modified for the unique operational conditions of space.
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