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
Jul 14, 2017
Two cheers for restarting the space council. Now who for NASA administrator?
Jul 14, 2017
In this week’s Washington Outlook: Defense Secretary Mattis says a Space Corps would create a narrower approach to space operations, Senator wants to set up X-Prize to solve hypoxia problem, and AIA’s Melcher will leave his job in December.
Jul 13, 2017
Industry analysts caution that investment does not equal ultimate success.
Jul 13, 2017
The European Space Agency says its well on the way to a full constellation of 24 operational satellites, the continuing renewal of which would probably require an average two satellites to be launched every year.
Jul 13, 2017
Thailand buys South Korean T-50 trainers, Pakistan tests short-range missile, Kratos wins a satcom study contract and BAE to upgrade electronic warfare systems for U.S. Special Operations aircraft.
Jul 12, 2017
President Trump has chartered a new National Space Council, and its chairman, the vice president, says America will go to the Moon, Mars and will lead in space.
Jul 12, 2017
Aviation Week technology writers Guy Norris and Graham Warwick discuss the thrusts of this year’s American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ annual Propulsion & Energy conference.
Jul 11, 2017
NASA’s Juno mission spacecraft carried out the closest approach ever to Jupiter’s turbulent Great Red Spot late July 10.