James Cameron Helps Develop 3D Camera for Mars Rover

James Cameron’s using his technological expertise to help NASA build a 3D camera. When Mars rover Curiosity takes off next year, Cameron’s high-res camera will be attached.

Apparently, NASA had planned to cut the 3D camera from the plans as a money saver, but Cameron lobbied for the equipment to stay. The camera is being built by Malin Space Science Systems, with Cameron named a co-investigator in the project.

“The fixed focal length [cameras] we just delivered will do almost all of the science we originally proposed,” said Michael Malin of Malin Space Science Systems in a statement. “But they cannot provide a wide field of view with comparable eye stereo. With the zoom [cameras], we’ll be able to take cinematic video sequences in 3D on the surface of Mars. This will give our public engagement co-investigator, James Cameron, tools similar to those he used on his recent 3D motion picture projects.”

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