Hasselblad cameras were used on the lunar surface on all Apollo missions over the past 50 years. The film camera used by the Apollo astronauts is still on the surface of the moon with only the film brought back to earth. With the Artemis Mission set to return humans to the lunar surface in just two years, the European Space Agency (ESA) has begun testing the camera it will use.
This camera is given as a Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) which is digital and mirrorless. This is to allow many high-resolution pictures to be taken throughout the mission on the surface of the moon. ESA did not reveal which camera manufacturer was chosen this time but some speculations say it might be a Nikon Z9 based on the lens used and the interface on the LCD panel on the back of the camera.
ESA has modified an ordinary camera into a HULC by giving it lunar dust-proof capabilities, having a bag that makes it easier for astronauts to carry, insulation for use in the moon's freezing temperatures and buttons that can be accessed even with bulky gloves.
The HULC test was conducted in Lanzarote, Spain because it has an area that resembles the landing area of the future Artemis Mission. Before being used on the moon, HULC will be sent to the ISS first to test it in a zero gravity situation.