Imaging

Cameron's camera to go out of this world

30.04.2010

Avatar director James Cameron is moving from science fiction to science fact as he develops a 3D camera for NASA's next mission to Mars.

Cameron approached NASA administrator Charles Bolden after learning that the space exploration organisation's Curiosity Rover mission to the red planet had to axe its plans for a 3D camera due to lack of funding. Cameron believes the 3D camera will greatly increase the public's interest in the mission.

The camera, which can film 10 frames per second, will be placed on top of Curiosity's mast. It is currently being developed by Malin Space Science Systems in California.

Curiosity is due to launch in autumn 2011.

Photo: An image from a Mars rover

^{Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech}