Spencer's in Space

NASA Astro-Converted Cameras

(Updates and Status for Nikon DSLR camera modifications performed for NASA)

 

In early 2011 we had the honor and privilege to work closely with NASA specifically to convert and modify two Nikon digital SLR's for use on the international space station (ISS). One camera is used for prelaunch and on earth testing and validation purposes. The other camera is used for launch/flight to the International Space Station (ISS) and will be used by Astronauts on board the ISS for many months and even years of low earth orbit/space flight. We continue to work closely with NASA engineers and Dr. Donald Pettit, the requesting astronaut, with detailed assistance in regards to camera performance and functions.

During the prolonged testing and modification process we developed many improvements for digital SLR imaging specifically for astrophotography and survival of extreme environments including launch/flight on board the Space Shuttle or Russian Soyuz system. We soon realized the developments and modifications used for NASA would be beneficial for astrophographers in the field as well. The improvements developed by Spencer's Camera & Photo will improve the image quality and overall performance of your camera by lowering digital noise when shooting the long exposures needed for astrophotography. Also, successive or rapid exposure shooting (ie. time-lapse, sports photography) and Video digital noise buildup will be lessened as well. Many of the developed improvements are used in our standard astro-conversion service.