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
Jun 25, 2020
With 12 licensed commercial spaceports and counting, the FAA is planning a spaceport infrastructure funding program.
Jun 23, 2020
The U.S-UK Technology Safeguards Agreement overcomes current regulations so that U.S.-developed launchers can operate from UK soil.
Jun 19, 2020
U.S. Navy fixes EMALS issue; AARGM-ER clears design review; Germany reviews P-3 replacements; China’s quantum key advancement.
Jun 12, 2020
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
Jun 12, 2020
Readers write about First Take graph proportions, "STOLPort" history, COVID-19 and airlines, and NASA’s C-17 role.
Jun 10, 2020
Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken lifted off aboard SpaceX rocket, first Americans to launch into orbit on a U.S. vehicle since shuttle.
Jun 08, 2020
In partnership with SpaceX, NASA’s blueprint for next-generation space exploration leaps into public view.
Jun 05, 2020
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum this week conducted a video conference meeting with the Hope Probe team at the Tanegashima Space Center, Japan, where was briefed on the preparations for the Emirates Mars Mission.