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
Feb 08, 2018
Delivery of a sports car into space is a light touch, but the low-cost, privately developed rocket signals changing times for industry. Photo: John Kraus
Feb 06, 2018
The first privately funded heavy-lift rocket ushers in a new way of doing business.
Feb 05, 2018
This year’s winners will be recognized March 1 at a black-tie gala in Washington, when four Grand Laureates also will be awarded.
Feb 01, 2018
Russia EW work bears fruit, Germany sets up heavy-lift helo competition, SSL wins USAF space study work, Canada buys naval self-defense system support package.
Jan 31, 2018
In January 1958, after initial failures with Vanguard and U.S.S.R. success with Sputnik, the U.S. made it into orbit.
Jan 30, 2018
Preliminary fiscal 2019 spending plan also aims to end direct funding of space station in 2025.
Jan 29, 2018
What do aerospace and defense companies need to think of now as artificial intelligence spreads across the industry in earnest?
Jan 26, 2018
Rocket Lab’s Electron small-satellite launcher blasted off from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula on Jan. 20 for a second test flight.