Artemis II crew using Nikon D5 and Z9

[AlanF]

The crew is using the D5 as proven technology and introducing the Z9 for future standard use.

The NASA Artemis II Crew's Stunning First Photos of Earth

Hello, Earth.

petapixel.com

 

[MikeGalos]

The crew is using the D5 as proven technology and introducing the Z9 for future standard use.

Not so much "introducing the Nikon Z 9 for future standard use" but testing it for deep space use. It's already certified for Low Earth Orbit use and is the standard camera for use on the International Space Station. Additionally, last year Nikon and NASA entered into an agreement for Nikon to produce modified Nikon Z 9 bodies for lunar surface use including glove-friendly controls and dust shielding. That program is called Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC).

 

[AlanF]

It says in the linked Petapixel article: They will be testing the camera, as the Z9 will be the backbone of the next-generation Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) used on future Artemis missions, including Artemis III, when humans will step foot on the Moon for the first time since 1972.

Thanks for the additional information on the background.