"Nikon's Astronaut-Focused Firmware Shields Photos from Cosmic Rays"

Nikon has developed special firmware for NASA to protect cameras from galactic cosmic rays during space missions. The firmware includes changes to the in-camera noise reduction settings, allowing for noise reduction at faster shutter speeds to combat cosmic ray damage. Additionally, Nikon modified the file naming system to ensure unique file numbers for the large volume of photos taken by astronauts. NASA has been using Nikon cameras since the Apollo era and continues to rely on the manufacturer for their custom modifications. Astronaut Don Pettit, an accomplished astrophotographer, revealed that the crew on the International Space Station uses Nikon D5s and plans to transition to the Z9 camera model.