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 20, 2020
U.S. proposal extends and expands guidelines for cooperation on lunar missions and beyond.
May 18, 2020
High-tempo test schedule puts Firefly on track for September debut with Alpha launch vehicle.
May 15, 2020
The U.S. military continues to expand the operational envelope of its X-37B robotic spaceplanes amid the COVID-19 crisis.
May 15, 2020
Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.
May 14, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has added perilous twists to the UAE effort to launch its first Mars mission.
May 12, 2020
In case SpaceX needs more time to begin commercial service of its Crew Dragon transportation system to the International Space Station, NASA has bought a seat aboard the next Russian Soyuz flight, scheduled to launch in October.
May 12, 2020
Boeing’s latest F/A-18; Japanese military space unit; Hungary missile request OK’d; Indian chief pushes for more “Make in India”
May 11, 2020
Government watchdog warns of record-high budget overruns and schedule delays with Moon rocket and other big-ticket projects.