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Astronauts Test Artemis Moon Camera

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]
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Key Takeaways:

  • NASA is testing the new Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) for Artemis III astronauts to document their historic moonwalks and exploration for water ice at the lunar south pole.
  • The HULC is a modified mirrorless camera, chosen for its excellent low-light performance, featuring a protective blanket for extreme lunar temperatures and dust, plus large ergonomic buttons for gloved operation.
  • Currently being tested in simulated lunar environments during ESA's Pangaea course, the HULC emphasizes intuitive design and ease of use, ensuring astronauts can operate it effectively in challenging conditions.
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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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