Well, this is cool. NASA astronauts flying in space aboard the Artemis II have reportedly decided to bring one specific camera with them to document their journey.

Along with likely other cameras, of course, and a trove of technical tools for the job, Nikon reports that the D5 is in use on the ISS and that the nearly ten-year-old DSLR is a popular choice for NASA astronauts.

Let’s take a look at what makes the Nikon D5 an odd yet understandable choice for use in space and why it’s proven to be a popular option for NASA astronauts over the years.

The Nikon D5 is Space

According to Nikon, its cameras and lenses have been used on various NASA missions and space shuttle missions since their first use on the Apollo 15 mission in 1971. And while there are, of course, many other cameras and recording devices on the ISS and used for recent missions like Artemis II, the fact that the Nikon D5 is still in use is quite a fun revelation.

Launched back in 2016, the Nikon D5 has been out for 10 years now, which means it’s been available for NASA to run through the tests needed over the years to ensure it’s a reliable option for operating in different environments—like, you know, space.

It’s interesting, too, because the Nikon D6, which came out in 2020, should be a more advanced option with a better sensor and better photo and video specs. But the D5 remains the favorite thanks to its surprisingly adaptable high-ISO image quality, which is still superior to many newer DSLR and mirrorless alternatives.

More Nikon Cameras in Space

Nikon also reports that, along with the D5 DSLR, it has provided the Nikon Z9 for use on the ISS as part of its selection for an ISS development support project launched in 2021.

The Nikon Z9 was reportedly selected for its high reliability and technological capabilities, which it has demonstrated in microscopy, where it has a proven track record of providing microscopes to the crew aboard the ISS.

Still, for cameras to be selected to be used for such out-of-this-world projects, it’s about as strong a recommendation as can be made and a nice accolade for Nikon to boast about the reliability and performance of both its latest and perhaps its greatest cameras over the years.