Nikon and NASA detail camera setup behind Artemis II moon photos
Astronauts on NASA's Artemis II mission used Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras, GoPro Hero4s for interior and exterior video, and iPhone 17 Pro Max phones to document the flight around the moon. Nikon senior manager Michael Corrado described the certification process required for equipment to fly in space and explained why much of the gear astronauts use is years old.
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The choice of older, thoroughly tested equipment over newer consumer models suggests NASA prioritizes reliability and certification over cutting-edge specs for crewed missions. As Artemis III approaches with a planned 2027 flight and 2028 landing, the imaging setup could evolve, but any changes will likely go through the same lengthy vetting process Corrado described.
- Artemis II astronauts used Nikon cameras, GoPro Hero4s, and iPhone 17 Pro Max phones to capture mission imagery.
- Nikon's Michael Corrado said equipment must pass a rigorous NASA certification process before spaceflight use.
- NASA is preparing for Artemis III, targeting a 2027 mission and a 2028 moon landing.
Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera — Nikon's professional mirrorless systems are the same lineage of camera technology NASA trusts for capturing stunning high-resolution imagery in extreme environments. The Z9 offers incredible image quality and durability, letting enthusiasts shoot with the same caliber of gear that documented history at the moon. It's a great pick for anyone inspired by the Artemis II photos who wants professional-grade results here on Earth.
See Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: cnet.com — Jeff Carlson, 2026-09-24
Published there as: “How NASA and Nikon Captured Those Stunning Artemis II Moon Photos”
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