James Cameron, one of the biggest authorities on 3D filming, is helping Malin Space Science Systems, Inc. of San Diego build a 3D camera for Curiosity, the next Mars rover.
Curiosity is scheduled to launch in 2011, but the 3D part is not ready just yet. Malin already designed two cameras that were supposed to be installed on the rover's main mast that can record HD color video, but not 3D. Cameron's cameras will have 3D and zoom capabilities.
"The fixed focal length [cameras] we just delivered will do almost all of the science we originally proposed. 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," said Michael Malin.
To be approved for Mars, however, the new cameras have to be finished and tested before NASA starts the final testing of the rover, which should happen in early 2011. Geeks of the world are going to be rooting for it.
[via ComputerWorld]