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
Sep 13, 2017
The devastation of this fall’s Gulf and Atlantic hurricanes was captured by satellite imagery.
Sep 11, 2017
In the presence of President Emmanuel Macron and the Emir of Dubai, CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall and Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman of the United Arab Emirates Space Agency (UAESA), signed a joint declaration of interest on tackling climate change.
Sep 08, 2017
In this week's Washington Outlook: Lawmakers pounce on inspector’s findings regarding FAA’s next-gen ATC modernization program; Congress makes a deal to keep the government open; and a view of why it is so hard to buy military space gear.
Sep 07, 2017
U.S. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, a former Navy pilot, is not without technical know-how, though he chose a career in politics.
Sep 06, 2017
Chinese move toward development of superheavy-lift Long March 9 launcher.
Sep 06, 2017
With visions of Moon missions and settlements on Mars, SpaceX prepares for the long-promised debut flight of its superheavy lifter.
Sep 04, 2017
Drone for Saturn’s moon; solar wing for atmospheric satellite; China develops alumics; robot applies riblets, and new alloy for metal printing.
Sep 01, 2017
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has signed a partnership agreement with the UAE Space Agency.