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
Oct 08, 2021
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Oct 05, 2021
Al Yah Satellite Communications, the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, has been formally requested to perform a thorough study in order to support a contract to augment the capacity already provided to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Government on its existing satellites, Al Yah 1 and Al Yah 2, with two potential additional satellites, Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5.
Oct 05, 2021
The UK wants to grow its space sector, but a lack of government funding means it will need to rely on the private sector.
Oct 04, 2021
Japanese carmaker plans to fly prototype hybrid-electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing air taxi in 2023.
Oct 04, 2021
Landsat 9 builds on a half-century legacy of Earth observations from space.
Sep 27, 2021
The space agency has led understanding of climate change, but its facilities are vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather.
Sep 24, 2021
China canceled a Fractional Orbital Bombardment System in 1973, but Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall warns the concept may be revived.
Sep 23, 2021
The billionaire commander of the three-day mission to space talks about his experience and the importance of humans continuing to explore the heavens.