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
Apr 10, 2025
The Dragon capsule splashed down with its crew of four in the Pacific Ocean, ending a 3.5-day mission, as SpaceX shifts returns to the West Coast.
Apr 10, 2025
Moscow falls behind in the global space race as sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine thwart key projects and other nations invest more.
Apr 08, 2025
Longtime aerospace executive Tony Gingiss will lead the small satellite company as it expands its production capacity to fulfill key Space Force contracts.
Apr 04, 2025
The newcomers can bid for Lane 1 work once they complete a successful first flight.
Apr 03, 2025
Troy Meink, Trump's nominee for Air Force secretary, is looking to continue the service’s aircraft modernization push and increase the Space Force’s funding share.
Apr 03, 2025
Robust on-orbit sensing and characterization systems are critical to deterring hostile actions and maintaining freedom of access to space as a global common.
Apr 02, 2025
Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum launch highlights Europe’s challenge to open a new era for its rocket industry.
Apr 02, 2025
Long Wall, formerly known as ABL Space Systems, has changed its name and mission focus.