European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Pesquet collaborates on field tests in Lanzarote, Spain’s Moon-like terrain. The team responsible for the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) coordinated with ESA during the PANGAEA training initiative. Credit: ESA–A. Romeo.
NASA, in partnership with European agencies, is in the process of developing and fine-tuning a sophisticated lunar imaging device for future global missions.
As astronauts prepare for their return to the Moon, they will be capturing more lunar imagery than ever before. To this end, European scientific experts and astronauts are aiding NASA’s Artemis imagery team in camera development.
During the PANGAEA training exercise, the engineers responsible for HULC collaborated with the European Space Agency in Lanzarote, Spain, to rigorously test the new imaging equipment in conditions resembling those on the Moon.
In this same lunar-like setting of Lanzarote, astronauts employed the HULC to record field studies. Credit: ESA–A. Romeo.
The PANGAEA initiative aims to train astronauts as efficient field scientists for upcoming lunar missions. During the program, an international group assessed the camera’s functionality in geological exploration scenarios that closely mimic actual conditions.
On geological field outings, the astronauts utilized the ESA Electronic Field Book, a tool enabling PANGAEA’s geological instructors to remotely monitor and guide the team. This year, real-time audio and video were added to the observational capabilities.
“The incorporation of the lunar camera provided the team with an authentic experience of lunar terrain study, a valuable augmentation we are inclined to include in future iterations,” states Loredana Bessone, Project Lead for PANGAEA.
Camera Technological Advancements and Evaluation
The latest Moon camera is an adaptation of high-quality commercial cameras featuring superior light sensitivity and cutting-edge lenses. NASA engineers made several alterations for space viability, including dust and thermal shielding as well as redesigned buttons to accommodate astronauts’ bulky gloves.
Thomas Pesquet, one of ESA’s most accomplished orbital photographers, lauded the camera’s design following its use in PANGAEA, noting the reconfigured button layout and protective measures.
For future lunar missions, image capture will be crucial for recording scientific findings. One of PANGAEA’s objectives was to identify the most appropriate lenses for this task.
Jeremy Myers, NASA’s HULC lead, provided a comprehensive design overview during the PANGAEA training. The team conducted assessments in various lighting conditions, from broad daylight to the dark confines of volcanic caves, to emulate the extreme challenges of lunar photography.
“Ease of use is a significant consideration for us. We aim for intuitive, user-friendly camera operation because it will be one of many tools astronauts must manage on the Moon,” explains Myers.
Jeremy, in consultation with leading European planetary scientists, reviewed the quality of the captured images. “Geological perspectives were invaluable in ensuring the photographs met the criteria for resolution, depth of field, and exposure to yield the best scientific outcomes,” he adds.
Comparison with Historical Devices
During the Apollo 11 mission, astronauts employed a markedly different photographic tool: a standalone, mechanical Hasselblad camera with a Harrison Schmidt 60 mm lens. Across the mission, they gathered 1407 images using four such cameras.
The Artemis lunar camera will be the first mirrorless handheld camera utilized in space. The technology excels in low light conditions, making it well-suited for the Moon’s high contrast landscapes.
In addition to still photographs, the camera will also capture video footage to improve situational awareness for ground control and to better document lunar exploration activities.
Thomas Pesquet has amassed over 380,000 space photographs across his two International Space Station missions. “Operating these cameras requires more than mere point-and-shoot actions. The Moon’s challenging photographic conditions will necessitate more complex operations,” he elaborates.
Ongoing Adjustments and Future Experiments
The core mechanics of the camera remain constant, but there are ongoing updates to its interface and casing. A version is slated for testing aboard the International Space Station in the coming period.
NASA has performed comprehensive tests to address space’s primary challenges, including thermal, vacuum, and radiation conditions. An additional hurdle on the Moon will be the corrosive nature of lunar soil. In a previous test, the camera was utilized in a simulated moonwalk during the JETT 3 mission in Arizona, USA.
Recent trials involving European astronaut candidates took place in the Netherlands, and the camera’s capabilities were also assessed at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany by ESA astronauts Matthias Maurer and Alexander Gerst.
“As we advance towards the Artemis III lunar landing, modifications to the camera will continue. We are confident that the final product will be a camera capable of capturing lunar images for humanity, employed by international crews for years to come,” concludes Jeremy Myers.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NASA’s Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC)
What is the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC)?
The Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) is a state-of-the-art camera developed by NASA in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). It is designed to capture high-quality images of the lunar surface and facilitate scientific documentation during future moon missions.
Who is involved in the development and testing of the HULC camera?
The development and testing of the HULC camera involve a partnership between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and other international astronauts have participated in field tests, along with engineers and planetary scientists.
Where was the HULC camera tested?
The camera was put through rigorous field tests in the lunar-like landscapes of Lanzarote, Spain, as part of the PANGAEA training program. The program prepares astronauts for effective fieldwork on the Moon.
What are the technological features of the HULC camera?
The HULC camera is built using professional off-the-shelf cameras with excellent sensitivity to light and advanced lenses. It has undergone several modifications for space use, including dust and thermal protection and ergonomic button design for use with astronaut gloves.
How does the HULC camera contribute to scientific exploration?
The HULC camera will play a vital role in documenting scientific discoveries on the Moon. It will allow astronauts to capture detailed images for geological studies, including those of crystalline structures in rocks and broader lunar landscapes.
What training program is associated with the HULC camera?
The HULC camera was tested as part of the PANGAEA training program. This program aims to prepare astronauts to become effective field scientists for future missions to the Moon and includes realistic scenarios for geological exploration.
Will the HULC camera undergo further testing and modifications?
Yes, while the core of the camera remains the same, its interface and housing continue to evolve. It will undergo additional testing aboard the International Space Station and further adjustments will be made to optimize its features for lunar conditions.
What challenges does the HULC camera aim to overcome in space?
The camera has been tested for the three major challenges of space: thermal, vacuum, and radiation effects. Additional challenges it aims to overcome include the abrasive nature of lunar dust and the wide range of temperatures on the Moon.
How does the HULC camera differ from previous lunar cameras?
Unlike the mechanical Hasselblad cameras used in the Apollo 11 mission, the HULC will be the first mirrorless camera for handheld use in space. It is designed to provide excellent image quality even in low light and high-contrast environments.
Will the HULC camera be used for missions other than those to the Moon?
The focus of the HULC camera is currently on lunar missions, particularly as part of NASA’s Artemis program. However, its advanced features make it a candidate for other space explorations in the future.
More about NASA’s Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC)
- NASA’s Artemis Program
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- PANGAEA Training Program
- Lunar Photography in Space Missions
- Advances in Space Camera Technology
- Overview of Geological Exploration on the Moon
- Space Mission Thermal, Vacuum, and Radiation Challenges
- History of Cameras in Space Exploration
- ESA Astronaut Thomas Pesquet’s Profile
- NASA and International Partnerships in Space Exploration
10 comments
Operating a camera in space must be hard, specially with those bulky spacesuits. Good they’re thinking bout the ergonomic side too.
this is the future ppl. Imagine the pics we’ll get from the moon with this kinda tech. Its a whole new era for space exploration.
Wow, this is really exciting stuff. I can’t believe how far we’ve come since the Apollo missions. HULC sounds like a game changer for lunar photography.
I’m glad to see international cooperation here. NASA and ESA working together can only mean good things for science. Thumbs up.
Interested in how this will be used for geological studies. The better the camera, the more we can learn from rocks and stuff up there. Science wins again!
So, they’re using off-the-shelf cameras and modifying them? thats pretty clever. Gotta say, looking forward to see what this baby can do.
This feels like science fiction becoming reality. What a time to be alive!
Any idea when this camera will actually be used in a mission? The article mentions future testing, but what’s the timeline?
hope they think about sustainability when they design these. Space waste is a thing too, ya know.
From Hasselblad cameras in Apollo to HULC in Artemis. What a journey, man. Can’t wait to compare the old and new moon photos.