NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity started driving around Mars in January 2004. Over 11 years later, it completed its first marathon as the odometer rolled over 26.2 miles. [Read more…]
First Hasselblad Camera Used in Space is up for Auction this Week
The first Hasselblad camera and Zeiss 80mm Planar f/2.8 lens carried into orbit by Wally Schirra on Mercury-Atlas 8 will be up for auction on November 13 at RR Auction’s Boston Gallery. [Read more…]
Photos of the Western US Wildfires Taken from Space
NASA satellites and astronauts are capturing some compelling images from space that show just how massive the wildfires in the western US have become. [Read more…]
Astronaut Don Pettit in Space With Lots of Nikon DSLRs
Check out astronaut Don Pettit and his big collection of Nikon DSLRs and lenses. NASA has been big on Nikon for several years, ordering 11 Nikon D3s bodies a couple of years ago and 76 Nikon D2Xs bodies before that.
The cameras are modified to withstand the rigors of photography in space – including capturing extravehicular activities with the Nikon D2Xs based on the last word we had from Nikon.
I wonder when they will get the new D4 or D800 on board the International Space Station?
Photography from Space: Inside the ISS
Remember the above cool time lapse video from the International Space Station. NASA has now given us a behind the scenes look from the ISS.
Astronaut Mike Fossum talks us through his thoughts on photography from space and how the Nikon D3 (NASA is a big fan of Nikon) allows them to take incredible images at night. Check it out in the video below. [Read more…]
Astronaut’s Photography Manual
The NASA Astronaut’s Photography Manual is a concise 40 page manual that covers all you need to know for your next vacation on the Moon. [Read more…]
Photos from Space Shuttle Discovery’s Final Mission
Universe Today has selected a great highlight reel of images from space shuttle Discovery’s final mission. As you can see from the EXIF details below, NASA is making good use of all those Nikon D2Xs and D3s cameras that it purchased.
[NASA via Universe Today – image credit: NASA]
Nikon Goes to Space, Delivers (Inter)Stellar Images
Late last year, Nikon announced that NASA had acquired 11 Nikon D3s cameras to go along with its stable of 76 D2Xs models. Well, NASA is putting those D3s and D2Xs cameras to good use – in space. [Read more…]
Nikon D3s Goes To Space
NASA is a big Nikon fan apparently, having previously sent the Nikon D2Xs to space. NASA just placed an order for 11 Nikon D3S bodies and 7 Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses. That should compliment NASA’s stock of 76 D2Xs cameras nicely.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
NASA Orders 76 Nikon D2Xs Cameras
______________________
Seriously:
The NASA order specifically comprises of 76 D2XS digital SLR cameras, 39 NIKKOR Lenses (in two types), 64 Speedlight flashes, batteries and other accessories which will support both flight and training requirements. Except a change to NASA-specified lubricants, the D2XS models to be used for EVA are almost identical to those commercially available on the market. The D2XS models will undergo stringent NASA testing before they are qualified to be manifested for a particular mission. (read more of Nikon’s press release)
Maybe the Nikon D3 isn’t coming anytime soon after all? At $4300, the Nikon D2Xs isn’t exactly cheap (well over $300,000 for 76 of’em). Maybe NASA just didn’t want a D3? Your thoughts?