Nikon announced an investment in U.S. based Vast Inc. through its NFocus Fund to support development of next generation commercial space stations.
Vast is developing commercial space stations designed to succeed the International Space Station which is expected to retire in 2030. The company uses a vertically integrated manufacturing approach for design, production and operation of orbital infrastructure.
Nikon has supported space exploration for decades through its imaging technology. Nikon cameras and NIKKOR lenses have been used by NASA since the Apollo missions and are widely used aboard the International Space Station. The Nikon Z9 camera is also expected to be used in the upcoming Artemis III mission.
Beyond imaging, Nikon is developing advanced manufacturing technologies for space applications. Its metal 3D printing systems are being used for rocket component production and were selected for a program under the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Space Strategy Fund.
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