First Flight On Mars

On April 19, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter became the first aircraft to fly on another planet.

Our most recent package details the historic first flight of the 4-lb. robotic rotorcraft, which lasted 39.1 seconds, and its follow-up venture on April 22, and looks ahead to its future test program. The technology lays the groundwork for aerial exploration of Mars, an aeronautical feat given the air density of Mars is less than 1% of the density on Earth. See below for more.

“How do we use aerial mobility in the future on Mars, to help not just robotic exploration, but to help human exploration?”
Ellen Stofan
Smithsonian
Mar 31, 2023
Momentum for in-space servicing, space logistics and manufacturing is building.
Mar 30, 2023
The U.S. Space Development Agency is poised to test its small-satellite constellation.
Mar 24, 2023
A loose fuel filter doomed the company’s last launch. Then came a bigger problem.
Mar 22, 2023
Just six more satellites are needed for full global coverage.
Mar 21, 2023
U.S. space agency will lease the garments, which provide 8 hr. of life support for missions.
Mar 21, 2023
Startup sees SpaceX Starship enabling larger, albeit lower-cost spacecraft.
Mar 20, 2023
The agency's budget request would provide funding to land humans on the lunar surface by the end of 2025.
Mar 10, 2023
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.