NHK is collaborating with JAXA to install a super high-definition camera (4K/8K camera) on board the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX), an initiative led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The camera has successfully been completed and will launch shortly.
Using this camera, JAXA aims to capture 4K and 8K images of Mars and its satellites, Phobos and Deimos, record and visualize MMX in clear super high-definition, and disseminate it widely through broadcasting and other media.
JAXA is developing a spacecraft with the aim of launching it in 2026, with the aim of clarifying the origin of Mars’ satellites and the process of evolution of the Martian sphere. MMX aims to carry out scientific observations of Mars and its moons Phobos and Deimos, as well as land a spacecraft on Phobos and collect samples of surface material from its surface to bring back to Earth.
NHK entered into a joint development agreement with JAXA in 2020 to record and visualize the first-ever MMX challenge in ultra-high-definition super high-definition, and to communicate it to a wide audience through broadcasting and other media. They began developing a super high-definition camera that can take pictures in space.
The newly completed super high-definition camera consists of a total of two ultra-high-definition cameras: an 8K camera to take pictures of the spacecraft’s direction of travel, and a 4K camera to take pictures of the sides of the spacecraft. (Photos 1 and 2, Figure 1).
Photo 1: 8K camera
It is designed to withstand the vibrations and shocks of a rocket launch and the harsh environment of outer space, and has passed environmental tests based on JAXA regulations. Due to communication speed constraints between Mars and Earth, it is difficult to send 4K/8K video as is, which requires a large amount of data, so the shooting interval will be once every 10 seconds, and still images taken continuously will be transmitted to Earth. After that, it is converted into a smooth image (Table 1).
Table 1: Specifications of the completed super high-definition camera
| Project | 8K camera | 4K camera |
| Number of pixels (horizontal x vertical) | 7,680×4,320 pixels | 3,840×2,160 pixels |
| Shooting angle of view (horizontal) | 65° | |
| Shooting interval | 10 seconds | |
| Image data format | JPEG | |
| Image data size | About 9MB/sheet | ４MB/piece |
| Spacecraft mounting position | Direction of travel of the spacecraft | Lateral direction of the spacecraft |
| Main shooting target | High-definition images of Mars and Mars satellites landing on Phobos |
Landing on Phobos, Phobos surface after landing |
In the future, the completed super high-definition camera will be installed on the spacecraft, and a system integration test with the spacecraft will be conducted. Preparations will continue for the spacecraft’s launch in 2026.
In addition, at “NHK Tech EXPO 2024” to be held at the NHK Broadcasting Center from May 27th to 29th, 2024, the camera will have the same shape and structure as the super high-definition camera installed on the spacecraft, and will also be used in actual environmental resistance tests. The prototype used will be on display.
