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
Aug 15, 2022
Russia's ban on exporting RD-181 engines to U.S. spurs change.
Aug 05, 2022
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Aug 04, 2022
Global communications company, Viasat, has launched its first real-time Earth (RTE) facility in Africa, located in Accra, Ghana.
Aug 03, 2022
As a backup plan, rotorcraft will retrieve sample tubes for the return trip to Earth.
Aug 03, 2022
The Space Rapid Capabilities Office uses independence and contracting leeway to deliver classified projects quickly.
Aug 03, 2022
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s upcoming demonstration includes new solar panels, deployable structures, cooling systems.
Aug 01, 2022
New chief of Roscosmos says decision made to leave ISS after 2024.
Jul 27, 2022
South Africa has launched a new $5.79 million project on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) dedicated to monitoring space weather globally, and specifically for the entire African region.