When NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter flew to Mars in April 2021, marking a historic moment in space exploration.
This small, solar-powered rotorcraft became the first spacecraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet.
Now, after the remarkable success of Ingenuity, NASA has set its sights on an even more ambitious aerial explorer of the red planet.
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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (OUR)
Ingenuity’s legacy
Ingenuity’s journey to Mars far exceeded expectations. Originally designed for just five test flights over 30 days, it ultimately completed an incredible 72 flights in nearly three years. The helicopter served as an aerial scout for the Perseverance rover, helping scientists and engineers gather valuable data about the Martian terrain and atmosphere.
During his missionIngenuity pushed the boundaries of extraterrestrial flight, reaching a maximum altitude of 78.7 feet, achieving a maximum speed of 22.4 mph, and completing a single longest flight covering 2,310 feet.
Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (OUR)
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NASA’s new generation Mars helicopter
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is working on a next-generation Mars helicopter concept that could revolutionize exploration of the red planet. This new aircraft, still in the early stages of development, promises to be a significant upgrade to the Ingenuity.
The proposed helicopter has six rotors in a hexagonal configuration and is significantly larger, potentially “SUV-sized”. It would have the ability to carry a science payload of up to 11 pounds and cover a range of up to 2.9 miles per Martian day.
The increased size and payload capacity would allow this new helicopter to conduct more extensive scientific research and explore areas inaccessible to ground rovers. This advanced design could allow scientists to study large parts Mars terrain detailed and fast, including places where rovers cannot travel safely.
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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (OUR)
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Overcoming challenges
Before this new helicopter flies to Mars, NASA must address the challenges facing Ingenuity. The crash landing of a smaller helicopter in early 2024 provided valuable lessons for future designs. One of the key issues was navigation in terrain without features.
Ingenuity’s vision-based navigation system struggled with the sandy, rippled surface of Crater Lake. NASA engineer Håvard Grip explained, “The lack of surface texture gave the navigation system too little information to work with.”
To overcome this, the next-generation helicopter will likely have more advanced navigation systems capable of operating in the diverse landscapes of Mars.
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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (OUR)
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Technological progress
NASA is making significant technological advances in preparation for future Mars helicopters. Engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed new carbon fiber rotor blades that are 4 inches longer than those used on Ingenuity.
These next-generation blades have undergone rigorous testing, reaching speeds of up to 3,500 rpm, which is 750 rpm faster than Ingenuity’s maximum speed. The new design promises improved efficiency and performance in Mars’ thin atmosphere, potentially enabling larger and more capable helicopters for future missions. This advance represents a key step forward in NASA’s ongoing efforts to explore the red planet from the air.
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Next-generation Mars helicopter prototype (OUR)
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As we look to the future of Mars exploration, these spacecraft could play a key role in paving the way for human missions. They offer the ability to scout landing sites, study the Martian environment in unprecedented detail, and perhaps even assist future astronauts on the surface. The development of more advanced helicopters for Mars also demonstrates the rapid progress of space technology. What was once a daring experiment with Ingenuity is now evolving into a robust tool for planetary exploration.
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