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
Jul 15, 2021
Flight test paves a path toward commercial passenger service.
Jul 15, 2021
U.S. Navy can use KC-46 tankers; Space nuclear-propulsion concepts chosen; Germany’s space command; and India’s 10th P-8.
Jul 12, 2021
Continuing a tradition that dates back to 1957, Aviation Week editors have announced their selection of the 2021 Laureate Award winners.
Jul 12, 2021
A timeline of events leading to the first fully crewed rocket-powered flight test, which Virgin Galactic calls the beginning of a new space age.
Jul 11, 2021
Footage of VMS Eve taking off from the runway of Spaceport America in New Mexico on the 22nd flight test for VSS Unity, this one with a crew of two pilots and four mission specialists.
Jul 09, 2021
Admiral reveals new Trident details; MEO satellite test coming in 2022; the Netherlands’ Reaper and NGI approach questioned.
Jul 09, 2021
With the successful deployment of seven small satellites into low Earth orbit, Virgin Orbit has begun commercial launch service operations as…
Jul 09, 2021
Company is partnering to supply internet-via-satellite services to customers.