NHK has announced its Super Hi-Vision cameras have been deployed aboard the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft, which launched from the Tanegashima Space Center this morning.
Jointly developed with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the 8K and 4K ultra-high definition cameras will document the entire mission, capturing footage of the spacecraft’s journey to the Martian system, its approach to the planet and the descent and landing on the moon of Phobos.
Designed to withstand the rigors of space travel, the two cameras have passed environmental testing in accordance with JAXA’s standards, said NHK.
Their imagery will be combined with flight data and other information to produce vivid, immersive footage of the flight.
Commenting on the launch of the H3 rocket, NHK’s president said, “The cameras we have developed have now begun their long journey to the Mars system. We hope people will look forward to the images of Mars and Phobos captured by the cameras. NHK will continue to work closely with JAXA to turn the 8K and 4K images sent back from the Mars system into video footage and share it widely with audiences.”
