Unique Collaboration Between Visualization Center C and the Hasselblad Foundation Takes Us Back to the Moon

The Hasselblad Foundation is providing funding for Once Upon the Moon, a 3D dome-format production created by the Visualization Center C in Norrköping. This immersive dome show takes audiences on a journey back to the Moon landings, using authentic images and film footage from the Apollo astronauts to allow viewers to relive humanity’s greatest adventure.

By supporting this project, the Hasselblad Foundation continues its mission to promote research and education in science and photography. The foundation has a long tradition of supporting initiatives that bridge science and visual storytelling, and Once Upon the Moon is a clear example of this. With the help of the OpenSpace visualization tool and authentic imagery, historical space exploration is connected to today’s technological advancements.

“We are very pleased to be part of this unique project alongside the Visualization Center C. It’s fantastic that the images from the Moon, captured using the Hasselblad camera, play such a central and meaningful role in the storytelling. At a time when it’s more important than ever to spread knowledge based on science, we see this as a powerful opportunity to reach both new and seasoned space enthusiasts—with credibility, technology, and imagination as driving forces,” says Kalle Sanner, CEO of the Hasselblad Foundation.

When the Apollo astronauts traveled to the Moon in the 1960s and 70s, Hasselblad played a central role in their missions. The cameras that captured some of humanity’s most iconic images were designed and developed by Victor Hasselblad’s team. These cameras, along with the astronauts, made it possible for more people to experience the Moon landings up close. Once Upon the Moon picks up that legacy, with the same goal: to allow more people to experience more.

We are now entering a new era of space exploration. NASA’s Artemis program plans to send astronauts back to the Moon. Through Once Upon the Moon, audiences can learn from the Apollo missions and understand why we need to return.

“With the help of the OpenSpace software, developed here at the Visualization Center C, we can digitally visualize all the data available about the Moon. It’s incredibly exciting that the Hasselblad Foundation wants to join us on this journey, which we hope will inspire both longtime and new space enthusiasts,” says Anna Öst, producer.

Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke and Harrison Schmitt, who conducted the lunar expeditions and are interviewed in Once Upon the Moon, have virtually relived their journeys through the production and visualization tool. In addition to them, the film also includes interviews with astronauts Christina Koch and Marcus Wandt, as well as Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.

Once Upon the Moon is directed by Carter Emmart, who came to Visualization Center C and Linköping University as a visiting professor under the Peter Wallenberg Guest Professorship in Visual Science Communication. His vision was to take more people back to the Moon. Through his professorship and in close collaboration with Anders Ynnerman, Professor of Scientific Visualization at Linköping University and Director of the Visualization Center C consortium, this vision has now become a reality.

“Fifty years ago, humans explored the Moon’s surface for the first time. By combining archival material and interviews with those who were there with data visualization and immersive technology, we can now let audiences experience the Apollo missions in an entirely new way. This film bridges the generations—between those who went to the Moon then, and those working to take us there again,” says Carter Emmart, director.

Once Upon the Moon will premiere in early 2026 at Wisdome Göteborg.