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
Feb 06, 2026
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Feb 06, 2026
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Rising security concerns and the drive for space autonomy may ward off the expected consolidation among launch service providers.
Feb 04, 2026
The U.S. is aiming to develop a lunar surface reactor by 2030.
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Nuclear propulsion for space may be back in favor as the U.S. seeks technology to power vehicles going to Mars and beyond.
Feb 03, 2026
Fear of fragmentation grips European space leaders as national initiatives ramp up in parallel with collective programs.
Jan 30, 2026
The Space Development Agency will test whether commercial deorbiting can keep its low-Earth-orbit architecture safe and sustainable.
Jan 28, 2026
Space maneuvers to avoid collisions are becoming more frequent.