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
May 21, 2021
On its first solo foray to Mars, China pulls off a tricky descent and landing.
May 20, 2021
The U.S. is building two new constellations for satellites that transfer strategic and classified information.
May 13, 2021
The former senator pledges a bipartisan approach to the space agency and continued support for commercial space.
May 12, 2021
Ingenuity begins operational test phase with one-way flight to new forward base ahead of rover’s intended route.
May 12, 2021
After a successful launch, an uncontrolled 18-ton booster landed in the Indian Ocean.
May 05, 2021
A look back at Alan Shepard’s flight to suborbital space—a first for the U.S.
Apr 30, 2021
Dave Calhoun is giving himself a dual mandate of returning Boeing to financial eminence while reinstalling engineering prowess. The gambit could decide the embattled company’s fate.
Apr 30, 2021
Up to five test runs of the rotorcraft are planned by May 4.